Despite not having fully dedicated bus lanes, Portland’s new ‘light’ bus rapid transit line is significantly reducing travel times.
In a Human Transit blog post, Jarrett Walker outlines some positive results from Portland, Oregon’s ‘light bus rapid transit’ project, which employs some elements of traditional BRT while adjusting the system to streets that are too narrow for bus lanes.
The project extended stop spacing to half a mile in some cases, increased frequency to every 12 minutes, and added signal priority for buses along the line, among other changes. “But it’s still in mixed traffic on the narrow and congested inner segment,” Walker adds.
Despite that, “Overall travel times are up to 20% shorter.” According to Walker, “Ridership is up dramatically as a result, almost 40% for the first year of operation (September 2022 – August 2023) compared to the year before.”
FULL STORY: Portland: Good Outcomes from “BRT-Lite”
TriMet Ridership Grows Thanks to Realignment, Schedule Changes
The agency’s response to post-pandemic changes in travel behavior is paying off.
Why BRT Can Benefit Cities More Than Rail
Bus rapid transit lines offer a less expensive, quicker-build alternative to rail that can bring other infrastructure improvements with it.
North Carolina’s First BRT Line Breaks Ground
Raleigh’s mayor calls the new rapid transit line “a game changer” for local mobility.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions