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• 1. [Article] Dynamic Assignment Models and their Application in the Portland Metro Region

  Metro's Research and Modeling Services Program is responsible for the development, maintenance, and application of travel demand models for application in long-range planning efforts in the Portland metropolitan ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Dynamic Assignment Models and their Application in the Portland Metro Region Author: Bosa, Peter G. Year: 2017 Metro's Research and Modeling Services Program is responsible for the development, maintenance, and application of travel demand models for application in long-range planning efforts in the Portland metropolitan region. Representation of traffic—both vehicular and transit—plays an integral role in the travel demand modeling process. Complex software is required to assign vehicles and transit users to transportation networks to determine viable options available to travelers, costs associated with those options, and sets of routes by which travelers might navigate their trips. Metro's current static assignment model has traditionally sufficed for use with Metro's four-step travel demand model. However, static assignments have well-documented limitations that preclude the ability of the analyst to answer complex policy questions, especially those related to greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, and transportation network reliability. In addition, static assignments cannot fulfill a need for small-duration travel time increments required by the next generation activity-based models. The shortcomings of the static assignment necessitates Metro’s development and application of regional dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) models. The resolution of these models allows for continuous modeling of traffic over an analysis period, which allows the analyst to capture temporally-based traffic events such as the building and dissipation of queues, measurement of the duration of congestion, and high fidelity speed profiles for use in emissions analysis. This presentation will focus on why Metro has developed a DTA, how DTA compares with other models—specifically macro-scale static assignments and micro-simulations—and how DTA has been applied in Metro's modeling process. Title: Dynamic Assignment Models and their Application in the Portland Metro Region Author: Bosa, Peter G. Year: 2017 Metro's Research and Modeling Services Program is responsible for the development, maintenance, and application of travel demand models for application in long-range planning efforts in the Portland metropolitan region. Representation of traffic—both vehicular and transit—plays an integral role in the travel demand modeling process. Complex software is required to assign vehicles and transit users to transportation networks to determine viable options available to travelers, costs associated with those options, and sets of routes by which travelers might navigate their trips. Metro's current static assignment model has traditionally sufficed for use with Metro's four-step travel demand model. However, static assignments have well-documented limitations that preclude the ability of the analyst to answer complex policy questions, especially those related to greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, and transportation network reliability. In addition, static assignments cannot fulfill a need for small-duration travel time increments required by the next generation activity-based models. The shortcomings of the static assignment necessitates Metro’s development and application of regional dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) models. The resolution of these models allows for continuous modeling of traffic over an analysis period, which allows the analyst to capture temporally-based traffic events such as the building and dissipation of queues, measurement of the duration of congestion, and high fidelity speed profiles for use in emissions analysis. This presentation will focus on why Metro has developed a DTA, how DTA compares with other models—specifically macro-scale static assignments and micro-simulations—and how DTA has been applied in Metro's modeling process. Close

• 2. [Article] Annual Metro Regional Trail Count and Why Local Extrapolation Factors Matter

  Metro, Portland's regional governing agency, conducts annual two-hour counts along its regional trail every September. This upcoming fall (2017) will be the 10th year that the counts have been held, which ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Annual Metro Regional Trail Count and Why Local Extrapolation Factors Matter Author: Gibson, Geoff Year: 2017 Metro, Portland's regional governing agency, conducts annual two-hour counts along its regional trail every September. This upcoming fall (2017) will be the 10th year that the counts have been held, which means we at Metro can finally start seeing noticeable, long-lasting trends in the regional trail network. Perhaps more importantly, we are seeing how these data have directly impacted investments in future trail, bicycle, and pedestrian projects. This seminar will cover the history of the program, details of how it's conducted and why it's conducted that way, how data are used (including an inside look at future iterations of Metro's interactive trail count map), and why creating local extrapolation factors for adjusting to annual traffic is so important. Title: Annual Metro Regional Trail Count and Why Local Extrapolation Factors Matter Author: Gibson, Geoff Year: 2017 Metro, Portland's regional governing agency, conducts annual two-hour counts along its regional trail every September. This upcoming fall (2017) will be the 10th year that the counts have been held, which means we at Metro can finally start seeing noticeable, long-lasting trends in the regional trail network. Perhaps more importantly, we are seeing how these data have directly impacted investments in future trail, bicycle, and pedestrian projects. This seminar will cover the history of the program, details of how it's conducted and why it's conducted that way, how data are used (including an inside look at future iterations of Metro's interactive trail count map), and why creating local extrapolation factors for adjusting to annual traffic is so important. Close

• 3. [Article] DASH: The Portland Region's Next-Generation Activity-Based Model

  DASH is the next generation activity based model being developed by the Metro Research Center. Upon completion, it will be one of the most advanced in the nation. This model will be used extensively in ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: DASH: The Portland Region's Next-Generation Activity-Based Model Author: Walker, Richard Year: 2015 DASH is the next generation activity based model being developed by the Metro Research Center. Upon completion, it will be one of the most advanced in the nation. This model will be used extensively in estimating the activity and travel response of individuals to policies and infrastructure investments. Compared to past models, it will include enhanced consideration of the socio-economic roles of individuals, discrete temporal dynamics, and intra-household dependencies. Title: DASH: The Portland Region's Next-Generation Activity-Based Model Author: Walker, Richard Year: 2015 DASH is the next generation activity based model being developed by the Metro Research Center. Upon completion, it will be one of the most advanced in the nation. This model will be used extensively in estimating the activity and travel response of individuals to policies and infrastructure investments. Compared to past models, it will include enhanced consideration of the socio-economic roles of individuals, discrete temporal dynamics, and intra-household dependencies. Close

• 4. [Article] Behavior-Based Freight Modeling at Metro

  Chris Johnson and Bud Reiff will present on a behavior-based freight model being used at Oregon Metro. This model will replace Metro’s current truck model with a hybrid freight model that both represents ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Behavior-Based Freight Modeling at Metro Author: Johnson, Chris, Reiff, Bud Year: 2017 Chris Johnson and Bud Reiff will present on a behavior-based freight model being used at Oregon Metro. This model will replace Metro’s current truck model with a hybrid freight model that both represents multi-modal freight flows through elements of national and regional supply chains and simulates the movement of individual trucks and shipments on local networks. Model estimation and calibration will also require collection of behavioral data from shippers and receivers representing a wide range of industries, common and contract freight carriers, business that operate non-freight commercial vehicles, warehouse managers, and logistics agents. Key project objectives: Develop tools to enable a more comprehensive analysis of infrastructure needs and policy choices pertaining to the movements of goods. Develop more detailed network assignments by truck type, which support regional environmental analysis, as well as local traffic operations and engineering analysis. Develop freight forecasts that are responsive to changes in economic forecasts, changing growth rates among industrial sectors, and changing rates of economic exchange and commodity flows between sectors. Replace trip-based truck model with more realistic tour-based model. Title: Behavior-Based Freight Modeling at Metro Author: Johnson, Chris, Reiff, Bud Year: 2017 Chris Johnson and Bud Reiff will present on a behavior-based freight model being used at Oregon Metro. This model will replace Metro’s current truck model with a hybrid freight model that both represents multi-modal freight flows through elements of national and regional supply chains and simulates the movement of individual trucks and shipments on local networks. Model estimation and calibration will also require collection of behavioral data from shippers and receivers representing a wide range of industries, common and contract freight carriers, business that operate non-freight commercial vehicles, warehouse managers, and logistics agents. Key project objectives: Develop tools to enable a more comprehensive analysis of infrastructure needs and policy choices pertaining to the movements of goods. Develop more detailed network assignments by truck type, which support regional environmental analysis, as well as local traffic operations and engineering analysis. Develop freight forecasts that are responsive to changes in economic forecasts, changing growth rates among industrial sectors, and changing rates of economic exchange and commodity flows between sectors. Replace trip-based truck model with more realistic tour-based model. Close

• 5. [Article] The Development of Low-/No-Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure in the Portland Metro Region: A Roadmap

  The shift from combustion engines to low- and no-emission electric vehicles is underway and gaining momentum. During the last year, Oregon has become an active player in the electric vehicle arena, with ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Development of Low-/No-Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure in the Portland Metro Region: A Roadmap Author: MacArthur, John, Murchie, Peter, Beard, George Year: 2014 The shift from combustion engines to low- and no-emission electric vehicles is underway and gaining momentum. During the last year, Oregon has become an active player in the electric vehicle arena, with a number of promising relationships and activities in the early stages of formalization. With additional thought, effort and strategy Oregon can seize the opportunity to become the national leader in the adoption and incorporation of new vehicle platforms and mobility strategies into the fabric of urban life and the built environment. Oregon is currently actively engaged in relationships with international automotive companies and local businesses and utilities interested in being part of the "Portland Experiment." This proposal seeks funding to support the creation of a comprehensive roadmap for the development of low/no emission vehicle infrastructure in the Portland Metro region. The roadmap will guide research, education, partnership initiatives, and community engagement activities at Portland State University (PSU) and the Portland Metro region. The project will build momentum on a number of efforts currently underway including the Governor's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Working Group, Oregon Department of Transportation's Office of Innovative Partnerships & Alternative Funding activities, and local utility and international automotive industry interest in Portland and other national efforts through the U.S. Department of Transportation. This roadmap will truly have a multi-disciplinary, multi-partner, and multi-campus focus and outcomes. The roadmap will focus on developing a unifying strategy, plan, knowledge base for low and no-emission vehicles, alternative fuels infrastructure and other sustainable mobility innovations. The specific research objectives for this project are to: 1) Strengthening and broadening strategic partnerships that will provide financial and other continuing research, education, and community engagement opportunities in electric vehicle infrastructure. 2) Develop a strategic roadmap for Portland to achieve a plug-in readiness in the next two years. 3) Develop a comprehensive research agenda, to evaluate wide array of research and testing needs for the Region. 4) Coordinate with national efforts through the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Project Get Ready, sharing knowledge with other participating Project Get Ready cities and other Oregon cities. This project will be a joint effort between OTREC and the Hatfield School of Government through the National Policy Consensus Center's (NPCC) Oregon Solutions program and the Executive Leadership Institute. Methods include a thorough literature review (print and web); an inventory of state, local agencies and municipalities actions; interviews with key partners; and a consensus building initiative. NPCC's Oregon Solutions program will use its expertise and experience in collaborative governance practices to provide the convening and facilitation system support to bring diverse stakeholders to the table to inform, develop and initiate the implementation of the roadmap. Oregon Solutions staff will engage in information collection, interviews and other efforts to assess the interests and resources of the project partners, refine the vision, and design and support the collaborative convening for the project. This includes developing agendas, products and materials and providing facilitation, note taking and post meeting follow up leading to a declaration of cooperation that will codify the individual and group commitments, roles and responsibilities for implementing the roadmap. Title: The Development of Low-/No-Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure in the Portland Metro Region: A Roadmap Author: MacArthur, John, Murchie, Peter, Beard, George Year: 2014 The shift from combustion engines to low- and no-emission electric vehicles is underway and gaining momentum. During the last year, Oregon has become an active player in the electric vehicle arena, with a number of promising relationships and activities in the early stages of formalization. With additional thought, effort and strategy Oregon can seize the opportunity to become the national leader in the adoption and incorporation of new vehicle platforms and mobility strategies into the fabric of urban life and the built environment. Oregon is currently actively engaged in relationships with international automotive companies and local businesses and utilities interested in being part of the "Portland Experiment." This proposal seeks funding to support the creation of a comprehensive roadmap for the development of low/no emission vehicle infrastructure in the Portland Metro region. The roadmap will guide research, education, partnership initiatives, and community engagement activities at Portland State University (PSU) and the Portland Metro region. The project will build momentum on a number of efforts currently underway including the Governor's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Working Group, Oregon Department of Transportation's Office of Innovative Partnerships & Alternative Funding activities, and local utility and international automotive industry interest in Portland and other national efforts through the U.S. Department of Transportation. This roadmap will truly have a multi-disciplinary, multi-partner, and multi-campus focus and outcomes. The roadmap will focus on developing a unifying strategy, plan, knowledge base for low and no-emission vehicles, alternative fuels infrastructure and other sustainable mobility innovations. The specific research objectives for this project are to: 1) Strengthening and broadening strategic partnerships that will provide financial and other continuing research, education, and community engagement opportunities in electric vehicle infrastructure. 2) Develop a strategic roadmap for Portland to achieve a plug-in readiness in the next two years. 3) Develop a comprehensive research agenda, to evaluate wide array of research and testing needs for the Region. 4) Coordinate with national efforts through the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Project Get Ready, sharing knowledge with other participating Project Get Ready cities and other Oregon cities. This project will be a joint effort between OTREC and the Hatfield School of Government through the National Policy Consensus Center's (NPCC) Oregon Solutions program and the Executive Leadership Institute. Methods include a thorough literature review (print and web); an inventory of state, local agencies and municipalities actions; interviews with key partners; and a consensus building initiative. NPCC's Oregon Solutions program will use its expertise and experience in collaborative governance practices to provide the convening and facilitation system support to bring diverse stakeholders to the table to inform, develop and initiate the implementation of the roadmap. Oregon Solutions staff will engage in information collection, interviews and other efforts to assess the interests and resources of the project partners, refine the vision, and design and support the collaborative convening for the project. This includes developing agendas, products and materials and providing facilitation, note taking and post meeting follow up leading to a declaration of cooperation that will codify the individual and group commitments, roles and responsibilities for implementing the roadmap. Close

• 6. [Article] 2014 Transit Oriented Developments Survey

  This report presents results from surveys of residents at several transit-oriented developments (TODs) in Portland, Hillsboro, Tigard, and unincorporated Clackamas County. The research complements our ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2014 Transit Oriented Developments Survey Author: Dill, Jennifer, McNeil, Nathan Year: 2015 This report presents results from surveys of residents at several transit-oriented developments (TODs) in Portland, Hillsboro, Tigard, and unincorporated Clackamas County. The research complements our previous survey work for Metro done at eight TODs in 2010 and 11 TODs in 2007. Title: 2014 Transit Oriented Developments Survey Author: Dill, Jennifer, McNeil, Nathan Year: 2015 This report presents results from surveys of residents at several transit-oriented developments (TODs) in Portland, Hillsboro, Tigard, and unincorporated Clackamas County. The research complements our previous survey work for Metro done at eight TODs in 2010 and 11 TODs in 2007. Close

• 7. [Article] Measuring What We Value: Using Performance Measures to Achieve Goals

  Performance measures are commonly used in transportation planning, but how effectively are public agencies using them, and to what ends? Metro, ODOT and many cities use performance measures to evaluate ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Measuring What We Value: Using Performance Measures to Achieve Goals Author: Rall, Chris Year: 2016 Performance measures are commonly used in transportation planning, but how effectively are public agencies using them, and to what ends? Metro, ODOT and many cities use performance measures to evaluate investment choices and monitor progress. Drawing from Transportation for America’s report Measuring What We Value, and some of the most cutting edge examples of performance-based planning around the nation, Chris' presentation will step back to consider what makes a performance-based planning approach effective at achieving an agency’s goals. Title: Measuring What We Value: Using Performance Measures to Achieve Goals Author: Rall, Chris Year: 2016 Performance measures are commonly used in transportation planning, but how effectively are public agencies using them, and to what ends? Metro, ODOT and many cities use performance measures to evaluate investment choices and monitor progress. Drawing from Transportation for America’s report Measuring What We Value, and some of the most cutting edge examples of performance-based planning around the nation, Chris' presentation will step back to consider what makes a performance-based planning approach effective at achieving an agency’s goals. Close

• 8. [Article] Three Bridges

  In the last decade, three important new bridges in the Portland area were the subject of intense discussion and analysis: the Tilikum Crossing, the Sellwood Bridge and the Columbia River Crossing. One ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Three Bridges Author: Liberty, Robert Year: 2015 In the last decade, three important new bridges in the Portland area were the subject of intense discussion and analysis: the Tilikum Crossing, the Sellwood Bridge and the Columbia River Crossing. One of those bridges is completed, the second is under construction and the third one was canceled. As a Metro Councilor, Robert Liberty was involved in the decision making process for all three projects. The way in which those projects were analyzed and presented to the public revealed to him a great deal about the many weaknesses in the way we make major transportation investment decisions. Those insights are the topic of his seminar presentation. Title: Three Bridges Author: Liberty, Robert Year: 2015 In the last decade, three important new bridges in the Portland area were the subject of intense discussion and analysis: the Tilikum Crossing, the Sellwood Bridge and the Columbia River Crossing. One of those bridges is completed, the second is under construction and the third one was canceled. As a Metro Councilor, Robert Liberty was involved in the decision making process for all three projects. The way in which those projects were analyzed and presented to the public revealed to him a great deal about the many weaknesses in the way we make major transportation investment decisions. Those insights are the topic of his seminar presentation. Close

• 9. [Article] Webinar: Development of a Pedestrian Demand Estimation Tool

  Why model pedestrians? A new predictive tool for estimating pedestrian demand has potential applications for improving walkability. By forecasting the number, location and characteristics of walking trips, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Webinar: Development of a Pedestrian Demand Estimation Tool Author: Clifton, Kelly Year: 2016 Why model pedestrians? A new predictive tool for estimating pedestrian demand has potential applications for improving walkability. By forecasting the number, location and characteristics of walking trips, this tool allows for policy-sensitive mode shifts away from automobile travel. There is growing support to improve the quality of the walking environment and make investments to promote pedestrian travel. Despite this interest and need, current forecasting tools, particularly regional travel demand models, often fall short. To address this gap, Oregon Metro and NITC researcher Kelly Clifton worked together to develop this pedestrian demand estimation tool which can allow planners to allocate infrastructure based on pedestrian demand in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. The tool is also designed to be replicable, so that other metropolitan areas can adapt the model to begin estimating pedestrian demand in their cities. This webinar will provide an overview of how the tool functions as well as a framework for applying this method in other cities. Title: Webinar: Development of a Pedestrian Demand Estimation Tool Author: Clifton, Kelly Year: 2016 Why model pedestrians? A new predictive tool for estimating pedestrian demand has potential applications for improving walkability. By forecasting the number, location and characteristics of walking trips, this tool allows for policy-sensitive mode shifts away from automobile travel. There is growing support to improve the quality of the walking environment and make investments to promote pedestrian travel. Despite this interest and need, current forecasting tools, particularly regional travel demand models, often fall short. To address this gap, Oregon Metro and NITC researcher Kelly Clifton worked together to develop this pedestrian demand estimation tool which can allow planners to allocate infrastructure based on pedestrian demand in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. The tool is also designed to be replicable, so that other metropolitan areas can adapt the model to begin estimating pedestrian demand in their cities. This webinar will provide an overview of how the tool functions as well as a framework for applying this method in other cities. Close

• 10. [Article] Webinar: Investigations in Transportation: Partnering Industry Professionals and Elementary Teachers in a STEM Unit of Study

  Investigations in Transportation was an elementary school partnership and curriculum development project, engaging STEM professionals in school-based design projects. Fifth-grade students in two Oregon ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Webinar: Investigations in Transportation: Partnering Industry Professionals and Elementary Teachers in a STEM Unit of Study Author: Biskupic Knight, Carol Year: 2016 Investigations in Transportation was an elementary school partnership and curriculum development project, engaging STEM professionals in school-based design projects. Fifth-grade students in two Oregon communities teamed up with transportation professionals from ODOT to redesign their school parking lots, resulting in better traffic flow and increased capacity. The immersive learning experience received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, teachers and administrators. This webinar will demonstrate how the Portland Metro STEM Partnership was facilitated to bring transportation education into elementary school classrooms, offering students unparalleled access to STEM professionals working in their communities and to real-world applications of engineering principles. Title: Webinar: Investigations in Transportation: Partnering Industry Professionals and Elementary Teachers in a STEM Unit of Study Author: Biskupic Knight, Carol Year: 2016 Investigations in Transportation was an elementary school partnership and curriculum development project, engaging STEM professionals in school-based design projects. Fifth-grade students in two Oregon communities teamed up with transportation professionals from ODOT to redesign their school parking lots, resulting in better traffic flow and increased capacity. The immersive learning experience received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, teachers and administrators. This webinar will demonstrate how the Portland Metro STEM Partnership was facilitated to bring transportation education into elementary school classrooms, offering students unparalleled access to STEM professionals working in their communities and to real-world applications of engineering principles. Close