ODOT seeks public input on draft Public Transportation Plan

Imagine a convenient and affordable public transportation system that offers efficient connections all over the state…. That’s just part of what stakeholders envision in the draft Oregon Public Transportation Plan, now open for public review and comment.

An online open house makes it easy to view sections of the draft plan, and survey responses will help finalize the document. Comments are accepted until July 20. The final plan will be considered for adoption by the Oregon Transportation Commission later this year.

The plan is a guide to help communities make decisions about priorities and investments in public transportation; it does not include any specific projects. Instead, it provides a policy foundation aimed at helping create a connected public transportation system for communities and the state. The flexible framework in the plan will help transit and transportation organizations anticipate and respond effectively to change, such as that coming from new technologies and an aging population.

“A big theme in our plan is helping communities and providers work together to link neighboring systems (public transportation services) and communities, which will ultimately enable regional and statewide travel,” said Principal Planner Lucia Ramirez.

The first Oregon Public Transportation Plan was adopted in 1997. Stakeholders, including a Policy Advisory Committee and a Technical Advisory Committee, began work on the new plan almost two years ago; reflected in the draft is input gathered along the way from focus groups and public meetings. You can learn more about the process on the website. Visit the online open house to learn more about the draft document and to complete the survey by July 20.

The draft vision statement for the new plan was developed by the Oregon Public Transportation Plan Policy Advisory Committee:

“In 2045, public transportation is an integral, interconnected component of Oregon’s transportation system that makes Oregon’s diverse cities, towns, and communities work. Because public transportation is convenient, affordable, and efficient, it helps further the state’s quality of life and economic vitality and contributes to the health and safety of all residents, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”