The Metro Auditor’s Office released an audit about Metro’s capacity to evaluate transportation project outcomes. This is the second audit in this area. The first audit in 2010 reviewed regional transportation projects completed in a five year period and found that the Planning Department was not well equipped to measure progress towards growth management goals. In this audit, three light rail station areas were analyzed to see if recommended planning strategies had influenced ridership.
The audit found that ridership increased at each of the studied stations but that the rate of increase was different for each station. Government investments and improvements were inventoried at each station to indicate whether planning strategies had been put in place. The one station that had the least amount of government investment had the highest increase in rides. Auditors found that the number of people who lived in the area and their dependence on transit also affected ridership. Auditors also found that this same station was unable to compete for public funds and that a jurisdictional division further impeded efforts.
Auditors pulled together data from several sources, the U.S. Census, TriMet, and public documents that described plans and investments around the stations. The office also conducted a survey of residents who lived in a quarter mile area of each station.
“Using historical data, Metro creates analytical models to predict how well plans will achieve regional outcomes.” Metro Auditor Suzanne Flynn said. “However, it rarely takes a look after projects are completed to determine if these predictions were realized.” Auditor Flynn stated that evaluation can lead to improved plans in the future. The audit recommended that Metro increase the use of place-based analysis, measure outcomes, and report on the effectiveness of planning strategies.
Copies of the audit may also be obtained by calling the Office of the Metro Auditor at 503-797-1892. The Metro Auditor will brief the Metro Council about this audit on June 27.