Portland Transport

Author: Chris Smith

  • Cargo Trams

    An interesting pilot in Amersterdam moves freight on the city’s tram (Streetcar) network. Apparently one of the keys is separate sidings for loading/unloading. Could it work here? For example, could Intel get product to PDX along with Light Rail corridor?

  • Transit Ridership at Historic Levels

    Via Planetizen: The American Public Transportation Association reported that transit ridership on US systems is at its highest levels since 1957, having increased for the last three consecutive years. Light, heavy, and commuter rail, respectively, led the increase.

  • Skepticism About Public-Private Partnerships on Roads

    Via Planetizen: An editorial piece in the Hartford Courant suggests that the Public is getting the short end of the deal.

  • Urban Renewal and Streetcar

    An article in today’s Trib drills down on TIF (tax increment) funding for the proposed Streetcar Loop. The target is $31M of the $70M of local match coming out of 4 urban renewal districts. This is not a secret, Sam Adams testified to this effect in from of PDC more than 6 months ago. But…

  • Piloting a VMT Tax

    Back in 2001, when the legislature, once again, could not find a way to convince voters that raising the gas tax to keep pace with inflation might be a good idea, they instead created the Road User Fee Task Force (RUFTF – I’m still trying to figure out how that is pronounced). One of the…