TriMet, Verizon add mobile service at underground station

The Tri-County Metropolitan District of Oregon (TriMet) and Verizon have partnered to provide cellular service in the Washington Park light-rail station, the deepest transit station in North America.

Verizon customers now will be able to text and browse the web while at the station, which is in the Robertson Tunnel in Portland.

Other wireless service providers also have submitted unsolicited proposals to establish wireless service, TriMet officials said in a press release. Verizon was the first to work through the process and install the necessary equipment, which came at no cost to the agency.

In addition, TriMet will receive a $2,000 annual fee from Verizon as part of a standard leasing agreement.

"This partnership with Verizon speaks to TriMet’s strong reputation of using technology to help our riders plan trips, track arrivals and pay their fares," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane.

Verizon also has submitted a proposal to extend its service throughout the 3-mile Robertson Tunnel.

The Washington Park Station is the only station located entirely underground in TriMet's MAX light-rail network. MAX Blue and Red line trains serve the station.