Month: December 2011

  • TriMet Launches “Cut The Budget” On-line Tool

    As TriMet prepares for a projected budget shortfall of $12 million to $17 million for the next fiscal year, the agency has launched an excellent on-line tool where people can see the budgetary choices involved. This is a great way to force people to think about the real tradeoffs inherent in any budget-cutting exercise, getting…

  • Peer-to-peer carsharing service coming to Portland

    It appears Zipcar is getting a big of competition, of sorts. KGW-TV reports that Getaround, a so-called peer-to-peer carsharing service, will soon be coming to Portland after receiving a $1.7 million grant from the Federal Highway Association. The Oregonian‘s Joseph Rose also has coverage of the announcement. Unlike “traditional” carsharing services like Zipcar, WeCar, or…

  • Jarrett Walker interview in WW

    In case anyone missed it, Willamette Week published a short interview with transit planning consultant Jarrett Walker of Human Transit fame. He makes some great comments about the value of mobility and addresses the need for TriMet to restore their frequent service network, which was devastated in the last round of cuts. Mr. Walker has…

  • The Sharing Time of Year

    As we approach the holidays, and year-end tax deductions, it’s time for my annual message. This site, and our transit appliance project, operate as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our expenditures are modest, but we do depend on the generosity of our readership for a portion of our costs. So if you’ve enjoyed the discussion during the…

  • Heartwarming!

    Yesterday I had the chance to attend the Community Cycling Center’s 2011 Holiday Bike Drive, and watch some of the 400 kids who received a bicycle (for many of them, their first). I can’t imagine a better way to kick off the holiday season.