Metro is working with partners and transit providers around the Portland region to embark on the next generation of regional transit planning.
Though it will update a regional High Capacity Transit System Plan adopted in 2009, the 2018 Regional Transit Strategy will look beyond high capacity transit projects like light rail or bus rapid transit to encompass a range of opportunities to meet transit needs around the region. It will also help implement the Climate Smart Strategy adopted by the Metro Council in December 2014.
The transit strategy will include a shared regional transit vision and an investment plan to help local and regional partners prioritize transit and transit-supportive improvements to help realize that vision. It will also clarify roles and responsibilities to make the vision a reality.
The strategy will be adopted as part of the 2018 Regional Transportation Plan.
Project timeline
Phase 1: Project start up – Summer 2015. Describe project purpose and schedule, convene project teams.
Phase 2: Regional transit vision – Summer 2015 to early 2016. Study existing conditions and key trends, identify needs and gaps, develop draft goals and objectives, update the regional High Capacity Transit Plan, develop draft regional transit vision.
Phase 3: Transit system expansion policy – Early 2016 to 2017. Evaluate draft regional transit vision, develop evaluation criteria for readiness and performance, research other regional approaches.
Phase 4: Shared transit investment straetgy – 2017 to 2018. Apply criteria for readiness and performance to develop an investment strategy for the regional transit vision.
Phase 5: Adoption – 2018. Adopt as part of the 2018 Regional Transportation Plan, begin implementation.