Portland, Ore. -- Ron joined more than 150 guests for the first ride along the full length of Interstate MAX. During the ride, Ron spoke about the importance of mass transit and praised the idea to expand the environmentally friendly form of transportation that has the potential to help boost the economy. MAX will help connect workers to new jobs in North Portland.

Ron, who sits on the Senate Transportation Committee, vowed to work to keep the support for MAX coming from Washington, D.C. The six-mile route was ready four months ahead of schedule and $25 million under budget.

Above: Ron speaks about the importance of mass transit

Below: Ron stands with U.S. Represenative Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore., left) and Senator Gordon Smith (R-Ore., middle) at one the new MAX stations.