Portland’s ‘Growing Transit Communities’ worth supporting for bikeways, bus upgrades

From PBOT’s Enhanced Transit Corridors plan.

If we don’t want these additional buses stuck in the same traffic, we need to provide dedicated space on our streets for them.

This post was written by Luke Norman, a BP subscriber and volunteer with Portland Bus Lane Project.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Growing Transit Communities Plan is slated for a hearing (and possible adoption) on September 6th. Now is the time to learn about it and consider sharing your feedback.

The plan is primarily focused on improving access to TriMet bus lines 20, 77, & 87, which include some great safety and connectivity projects for people walking and biking. However, hidden in the document are two corridor studies that have the potential to significantly increase transit connections for East Portland residents.

The Outer Stark Corridor Plan will study the potential of providing bus lanes and safety improvements on SE Stark east of Gateway to Portland’s city limits at SE 162nd Ave.

Over 10,000 residents who live along the Outer Stark corridor commute across our region for work. And many of them take Line 20, with the busiest stops serving over 800 riders daily.

Unfortunately for residents who rely on Line 20, the Outer Stark segment is one of the most delayed transit corridors in Portland:

For perspective, here’s what SE Stark at 162nd Ave (facing west) looks like today:

And here’s what it could like if the Outer Stark Corridor Plan was funded and implemented, so people biking and taking the bus were prioritized:

(Graphic: Streetmix)

The second important corridor study is the Airport Way & I-205 Transit Study. NE Airport Way plays an important role in Portland’s economy as it is home to over 20,000 jobs. However, transit isn’t a reliable option for workers as traffic merging onto I-205 regularly backs up to NE 122nd.

For perspective here’s what Airport Way at 122nd Ave (facing west) looks like today:

The Airport Way & I-205 Transit Study would evaluate providing a center bus lane, so buses headed west can make a left turn to access Gateway Transit Center at NE Holman St.

Here’s what it could like if that study was funded and implemented so people biking and taking the bus were prioritized:

(Streetmix)

An additional reason these studies are important is that TriMet considering increasing the service on Line 20 & Line 87 to frequent service status.

(via TriMet)

If we don’t want these additional buses stuck in the same traffic, we need to provide dedicated space on our streets for them. Asking City Council to fully fund these studies is an important first step in making that happen.

City Council will be holding a hearing on the Growing Transit Communities Plan at 10:00 am (time certain) on September 6 in the Council Chambers at 1121 SW 4th Ave.

For more information on the Portland Bus Lane Project visit: https://portlandb.us.

— Luke Norman

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