The Portland experience builds the case for dedicated bus lanes as an effective method of congestion mitigation.
Jonathan Maus shares news of travel data on the changes in traffic since Portland, Oregon unveiled its "first significant dedicated bus/bike lane" on SW Madison six months ago.
"Despite being only four blocks long, TriMet data shows the project has had significant positive impacts on bus speeds," according to Maus. "According to data released this week, lines 2, 6, 10 and 14 have seen a decrease in delay during the evening rush by 68%, 26%, 60%, and 76% respectively."
Another dedicated bus lane, completed more recently, has also produced trip-shortening results, according to Maus: "On NW Everett between 5th Avenue and the Steel Bridge, TriMet’s Line 4 had seen a 14% average speed decrease in the last 10 years. A bus lane project completed back in August has resulted in a significant decrease in delays — between 25% and 34% — for five of the six lines that use the street. On TriMet’s Line 8, the new lane cut evening commute travel time by more than a minute and a half."
FULL STORY: Portland’s cheap and easy bus lane projects are working well
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
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FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association