Portland, Oregon, is a fabulous city, at least when it's not raining. Trees line the streets, the microbrews are full-bodied, cyclists abound. And then there is the 44-mile (71km) max light-rail system, started 20 years ago. Over $1.6 billion went into developing the max, mostly from local and federal governments. The handsome payoff includes Portland's perpetual reputation as among America's nicest places to live, and some $4 billion-worth of development near the stations. Since 2001 the max has even whisked people from the airport to the centre of town in just over half an hour for under $2—the first "train to the plane" on the west coast.
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