Portland Transport

Author: Chris Smith

  • Quiet Collapse of Prosperity

    Via Planetizen: U.S. mayors have testified to Congress that failure to maintain and invest in infrastructure is resulting in a decline in U.S. prosperity.

  • More Violence on MAX

    With another violent attack on MAX, today’s Oregonian makes the connection – will this latest incident deter folks who are making the switch to transit because of high gas prices?

  • CRC Financing Risks

    Economist Joe Cortright has prepared a memo to local leaders on the financial risks (PDF, 51K) of the Columbia River Crossing project. Beyond fundamental questions like where the local match is going to come from, the project may require an unprecedented amount of debt. But perhaps scariest is the constraints that may be created by…

  • Fregonese on Transportation

    John Fregonese, one the nation’s premier regional planners, spoke last night at the Portland Spaces/City Club “Bright Lights” series. Of course, transportation was a frequent topic. Some of John’s thoughts: On transit in our region: buses are being neglected. He’d much rather forgo MAX on Barbur and Powell and provide much better bus service throughout…

  • Transit and Fuel Prices

    Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich has an interesting essay on the reaction of transit systems to higher fuel prices. There seem to be three potential responses: Raise fares to cover increases in fuel costs (the TriMet response) Cut service to control costs (does it get any stupider than this?) Recognize a market opportunity and expand…