Nearly a generation ago the City of Portland adopted the 1993 Portland Transportation Plan; “A Time of Change”; a visionary document that challenged us to rethink the way we plan for out transportation needs. The report emphasized community, livability, and connectivity for all residents, and explicitly called for a reduction in the use of single occupant vehicles (SOV’s), to be replaced by an increase in the use of transit, bicycles and walking.

In 2009, with MAST’s help, Portland took a significant step forward with the adoption of the Portland Peninsula Transit Plan. This plan provides us with the tools to finally implement the principles of the 1993 Plan, in a 21st century context. Since winning adoption of the plan, MAST has been working to ensure it does not gather dust. Several specific policies have already been adopted by the Portland City Council:

✓ Peninsula Transit Plan – ADOPTED into Portland's Comprehensive Plan in 2009!

Starting with the dense urban core makes sense when creating transportation policy. The PTP lays out specific steps, with timelines and ordinance changes, which will help the peninsula lead the way for the rest of the City and the region. Download the Plan here.

✓ Fee in Lieu of Parking – ADOPTED June 2010!

The City should not be mandating creation of more parking spaces than the market demands. Developers willing to provide less parking should be encouraged to do so by realizing cost savings and more buildable area. Allowing developers to pay a fee-in-lieu of the parking spaces that zoning codes would otherwise require is a great way to incentivize creative development that reduces demand for off-street parking. In addition, fee-in-lieu can be used to more efficiently manage a parking system, and will generate revenue for the city.

✓ Establish a “Sustainable Transportation Fund” – ADOPTED June 2010!

Funded by “fees in lieu of parking” and other sources, this would create a dedicated source of funding for the transit and infrastructure improvements recommended in the Transit Plan.

Other policies that MAST is working to implement in the coming year include:

• City Trip Reduction Program/TDM – This commits all City staff to the principles of reducing vehicle trips by enacting an “in-house” Transportation Demand Management plan. This would show the City is leading by example, and pave the way for an expanded TDM program for employers in the city.
• No Turn on Red – this policy would balance transportation modes by improving bicycle and pedestrian safety. Beginning in the Old Port, Congress St. Business District and other key intersections, NTOR should be implemented along with an educational campaign for non-NTOR locations encouraging drivers to check for bicyclists and pedestrians before turning.