Portland Looking for Ways to Speed Up Buses, Protect Pedestrians

Freeing buses from congestion and protecting pedestrians from speeding cars are two of the goals expressed by the Central City in Motion planning process.

1 minute read

March 21, 2018, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Portland Multi-Modalism

davidkrug / Shutterstock

The Portland Bureau of Transportation is looking for ideas about how to speed up buses around the city as part of its Central City in Motion plan.

"[The] Portland Bureau of Transportation posted an interactive map Monday as part of its long-awaited Central City in Motion plan, an effort officials say focuses on speeding up buses on both sides of the Willamette River, creating new 'low-stress bikeways' and making pedestrian crossings safer," reports Andrew Theen.

According to Theen, the Portland Bureau of Transportation has the money to spend on dedicated bus lanes, separated bikeways, and pedestrian crossings. The Central City in Motion plan is a component of the ongoing Central City 2035 plan. The article has more background on the planning approach reflected in the Central City in Motion plan (hint: it's not a car-centric approach).

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 in The Oregonian

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

July 2 - CNU Public Square