TriMet board adopts 5-year transit plan update
Plan adds rail lines, automated bus announcements & shelters
July 31, 2006
An updated TriMet Transit Investment Plan (TIP) that includes construction starts on major rail projects and the introduction of automated stop announcements on buses has been approved by TriMet Board of Directors this week.
"The TIP prioritizes where we will place new service or amenities and gives our regional partners a roadmap to leverage our investments and build on them to further enhance access to transit," said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen. "During the past four years we've successfully used this tool to enhance transit service throughout the region."
TIP improvements for Fiscal Year 2007 include:
- Starting construction on the 8.3-mile I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail project, which will extend into Clackamas County along I-205, and a new alignment in downtown Portland. This project will add light rail between Gateway Transit Center and Clackamas Town Center; and in downtown Portland along the Mall on 5th and 6th avenues between Union Station and Portland State University.
- Introducing Automated Stop Announcements (ASA) on low-floor buses that automatically announce stops both audibly and by text message. ASA makes it easier to ride for people with disabilities and for people unfamiliar with the transit system.
- Adding TransitTracker stop ID numbers to 1,200 stops, in addition to the 2,700 IDs already posted at MAX stations and bus stops. The ID numbers allow riders access real-time bus arrival information by phone or online.
- Adding more solar shelter lighting along Frequent Service lines in addition to the 45 installed now.
Portland area
- Extending Line 9-Powell Frequent Service to the Union Station area to connect with Amtrak and Greyhound arrivals and departures.
- Night service will be added on Powell from SE 98th to Union Station, running every 15 minutes until 10 p.m., every day.
Westside
- Beginning construction of the 14.7-mile Washington County Commuter Rail project. The line will use existing freight tracks to add transit service in the heavily traveled I-5/Hwy 217 corridor. This suburban commuter rail line will connect to MAX in Beaverton and also serve the cities of Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville.
- Adding 35 new bus shelters throughout our service district in addition to TriMet's 1,090 existing shelters. Key focus areas include Beaverton, Hillsboro and Washington County. A stop requires a minimum of 35 boardings a day to qualify for a shelter.
- Enhancing pedestrian access and amenities on Line 57-TV Hwy/Forest Grove. TriMet is working with citizens, ODOT and cities in Washington County to improve pedestrian access along TV Highway, including new/rebuilt sidewalks, more shelters and modifying bus stop locations.
TIP history
TIP was created in 2002 as a means to standardize criteria for adding new service or amenities. These criteria include ridership potential, access to jobs, air quality, transit equity, land use/development patterns and regional partnerships. Nearly two-dozen representatives from cities and counties throughout the region participated in developing the criteria and priorities. The four priorities are:
- Maintain the quality of the existing system
- Grow the high capacity (rail) transit system
- Expand the Frequent Service system, which provides 15 minute or better service every day.
- Improve local service through neighborhoods and communities.
TriMet partners with local, regional and state governments and agencies to provide many important elements that enhance access to transit such as roadways, sidewalks, safe pedestrian crossings, priority treatments for transit vehicle and building codes that promote and enhance pedestrian-friendly areas.