Ridership is declining on TriMet's Westside Extension Service, reflecting declines on other parts of the system. This commuter rail line, however, has its own unique set of issues.
Andrew Theen reports on significant declines in ridership on TrimMet's Westside Extension Service (WES) commuter rail line.
"Nine years ago, the transit agency officially got into the heavy-rail business with the 14.7-mile suburban route between Wilsonville and Beaverton," according to Theen. "And ever since, ridership has consistently failed to live up to TriMet's original projections."
March boardings were down 13.2 percent compared to the same month the year before, according to data recently released by TriMet. "The tepid ridership comes despite record-low unemployment levels in the Portland area and amid ever-growing grumbling about stifling congestion on Interstates 5 and 205, Oregon 217 and U.S. 26," adds Theen. Ridership is dropping on TriMet's bus and light rail routes. The plan to recover some of the last ridership along the WES route—marketing to new developments built along the corridor.
FULL STORY: WES train ridership down 13 percent from 2017, but TriMet rolls on
Portland Train Speed Limited by Extreme Heat
When temperatures hit 100 degrees, the city’s two train systems face challenges that force them to slow their speeds or stop operations altogether.
Boston Commuter Rail Recovering Rapidly
The ‘T’ is reworking its schedule to offer more reliable and flexible service, including more midday and weekend trains.
TriMet Ridership Grows Thanks to Realignment, Schedule Changes
The agency’s response to post-pandemic changes in travel behavior is paying off.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment
Even during times of budget constraint, continued investment in parks is critical, as they provide proven benefits to public health, safety, climate resilience, and community well-being — particularly for under-resourced communities.
Porches, Pets, and the People We Grow Old With
Neighborhood connections and animal companions matter to aging with dignity, and how we build can support them. Here’s a human-scale proposal for aging in place.
Single-Stair Design Contest Envisions Human-Scale Buildings
Single-stair building construction is having a resurgence in the United States, where, for the last several decades, zoning codes have required more than one staircase in multi-story housing developments.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Charlotte
Municipality of Princeton
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)