http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=31389
The Draft Regional Transportation Plan was released on September 15th. It is open for public comment until October 15th, and is supposed to provide a roadmap for Metro's projects until 2035.
I highly suggest that everyone go over and read it, then provide comment both to Metro and here.
Corridor Identification
Adopted HCT Expansion Priority
Some highlights:
- Metro is particularly concerned about how to accommodate freight traffic in and around Portland, noting that even if car traffic did not increase at all between now and 2035, freight traffic would push Portland to its breaking point before then, requiring a sizable investment in infrastructure for both truck and train freight.
- Metro sees four areas that provide the most opportunity for investment: multi-modal traffic management, traveler information, traffic incident management, transportation demand management.
- Metro has determined that region wide "congestion pricing" is a high priority.
- Automatic speeding enforcement (through computers and sensors) was identified, but determined to be a low priority item with a timeline over 10 years.
- Metro also says it is a high priority for TriMet to move to a "SmartCard" system to improve boarding and system efficiency, as well as rider simplicity.
- They want to install new signals and update the timings throughout the City Central Core. (Including MLK, Grand and Naito Parkway.)
- Metro wants to pilot their active traffic management system (which including things like dynamic speed limit signs and lane designations) on I-84 between Gateway and I-5.
- Metro is saying that the three most likely corridors for new MAX service which begins construction within 4 years is: Powell Blvd, Barbur Blvd, & a WES counterpart.
- Metro is REALLY ambitious about the Streetcar system:
- Interesting note: if it weren't for the local busses (non-frequent service) our entire transit system could pay for itself, as all other modes are below ticket prices.
- "Capacity on the entire MAX system is constrained by the need to operate two car trains, meaning future capacity increases require adding headways or building new lines. The current HCT system can accommodate headways of about 2 minutes per direction (30 trains per hour, per direction)
over prolonged periods ... In short, this analysis shows that the current and planned HCT major track infrastructure does have the capacity to accommodate demand at least until the year 2035, assuming operating funds become available to improve headways."
- They did however talk about tunneled light rail (subway) options in the report, (although Metro doesn't seem to like the idea of spending billions to reduce the households served).
- Metro also discussed five corridors for possible HCT connection on a WES-like basis: Sandy -> Clackamas via OR 26; Salem -> Beaverton via WES; Hood River -> Gresham via I-84; Newberg -> Beaverton via OR 99W; Scappoose -> Portland via OR 30.
- Metro notes that Portland has been improving (particularly if Vancouver is removed from the equation) in Vehicle Miles Traveled.
- Metro also notes that the city has seen very good return on investment in bike infrastructure.
There's obviously a lot more, so click the link and read it through!
Linear Mode
