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• 1. [Article] National Study of BRT Development Outcomes

  Bus rapid transit (BRT) is poised to become the “next big thing” in public transit. From virtually no systems a generation ago, there are now 19 lines operating with at least seven under construction and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: National Study of BRT Development Outcomes Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Ganning, Joanna Year: 2015 Bus rapid transit (BRT) is poised to become the “next big thing” in public transit. From virtually no systems a generation ago, there are now 19 lines operating with at least seven under construction and more than 20 in the planning stages. BRT is gaining popularity because of its combination of low capital cost and potential for high levels of benefits. But are BRT systems effective in attracting development? To answer this and many more trending BRT questions, the Metropolitan Research Center (MRC) reviewed multiple studies using data from the United States Census Bureau, Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics, and CoStar data in a quasi-experimental, compare-and-contrast research design to compare jobs, population and households, and housing units before and after BRT station construction relative to control stations and the stations’ metropolitan context. Our units of analysis will be 2010 census blocks and their assemblages as data allow within 0.25 mile buffers. The final products of the MRC’s research include case studies of each BRT and meta-assessments of whether and to what extent BRT systems attract development. Some of the studies answer the following questions: What are the effects of BRT on sectoral employment change in the United States? How does BRT affect housing location affordability? What is the relationship between BRT and its surrounding area’s wagerelated job change? These answers can provide MPOs with information to aid in the decision-making process in terms of economic development and transportation planning options. Title: National Study of BRT Development Outcomes Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Ganning, Joanna Year: 2015 Bus rapid transit (BRT) is poised to become the “next big thing” in public transit. From virtually no systems a generation ago, there are now 19 lines operating with at least seven under construction and more than 20 in the planning stages. BRT is gaining popularity because of its combination of low capital cost and potential for high levels of benefits. But are BRT systems effective in attracting development? To answer this and many more trending BRT questions, the Metropolitan Research Center (MRC) reviewed multiple studies using data from the United States Census Bureau, Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics, and CoStar data in a quasi-experimental, compare-and-contrast research design to compare jobs, population and households, and housing units before and after BRT station construction relative to control stations and the stations’ metropolitan context. Our units of analysis will be 2010 census blocks and their assemblages as data allow within 0.25 mile buffers. The final products of the MRC’s research include case studies of each BRT and meta-assessments of whether and to what extent BRT systems attract development. Some of the studies answer the following questions: What are the effects of BRT on sectoral employment change in the United States? How does BRT affect housing location affordability? What is the relationship between BRT and its surrounding area’s wagerelated job change? These answers can provide MPOs with information to aid in the decision-making process in terms of economic development and transportation planning options. Close

• 2. [Article] Improving Walkability Through Control Strategies at Signalized Intersections

  As cities and communities nationwide seek to develop Complete Streets that foster livability and accommodate all modes, signal timing control strategies that include pedestrians in the operational decision ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Improving Walkability Through Control Strategies at Signalized Intersections Author: Kothuri, Sirisha Murthy, Kading, Andrew, Smaglik, Edward J., Sobie, Christopher Year: 2017 As cities and communities nationwide seek to develop Complete Streets that foster livability and accommodate all modes, signal timing control strategies that include pedestrians in the operational decision process are gaining importance. This research tested several efficiency-focused pedestrian treatments – coordination, actuated-coordination, free operation, short cycle lengths – and safety-focused treatment including leading pedestrian intervals and Barnes Dance. Using a software-in-the-loop simulation, the operational impacts of these treatments on all users (vehicles, heavy vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians) at an intersection were evaluated. Results showed that among the efficiency-based treatments, free operation was most beneficial for reducing minor-street pedestrian delays. Both safety treatments increased major-street vehicle delays. A new pedestrian priority algorithm is proposed and developed, which is designed to prioritize pedestrian service under certain traffic conditions. The algorithm is designed to analyze field data and change the user-defined operational strategy to match the conditions in the field. The developed algorithm was deployed at three separate locations, two of which used a Raspberry Pi device and one used the onboard logic processor of the ASC/3 controller. Before-and-after data analysis showed that the algorithm was successful in reducing pedestrian delay. While this research provides field-implementable solutions for reducing pedestrian delays, there is no one "right solution". Ultimately, choice of a control strategy may rest on operational objectives and geometric characteristics of an intersection. The findings from this research may benefit cities that are looking to create safe, sustainable streets capable of accommodating multiple modes. Title: Improving Walkability Through Control Strategies at Signalized Intersections Author: Kothuri, Sirisha Murthy, Kading, Andrew, Smaglik, Edward J., Sobie, Christopher Year: 2017 As cities and communities nationwide seek to develop Complete Streets that foster livability and accommodate all modes, signal timing control strategies that include pedestrians in the operational decision process are gaining importance. This research tested several efficiency-focused pedestrian treatments – coordination, actuated-coordination, free operation, short cycle lengths – and safety-focused treatment including leading pedestrian intervals and Barnes Dance. Using a software-in-the-loop simulation, the operational impacts of these treatments on all users (vehicles, heavy vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians) at an intersection were evaluated. Results showed that among the efficiency-based treatments, free operation was most beneficial for reducing minor-street pedestrian delays. Both safety treatments increased major-street vehicle delays. A new pedestrian priority algorithm is proposed and developed, which is designed to prioritize pedestrian service under certain traffic conditions. The algorithm is designed to analyze field data and change the user-defined operational strategy to match the conditions in the field. The developed algorithm was deployed at three separate locations, two of which used a Raspberry Pi device and one used the onboard logic processor of the ASC/3 controller. Before-and-after data analysis showed that the algorithm was successful in reducing pedestrian delay. While this research provides field-implementable solutions for reducing pedestrian delays, there is no one "right solution". Ultimately, choice of a control strategy may rest on operational objectives and geometric characteristics of an intersection. The findings from this research may benefit cities that are looking to create safe, sustainable streets capable of accommodating multiple modes. Close

• 3. [Article] 2012 Portland Metropolitan Region Transportation System Performance Report

  Our transportation system is a key ingredient in the economy, quality of life and urban fabric of the Portland metropolitan area. It has been stated in the past that it is not possible to manage our transportation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2012 Portland Metropolitan Region Transportation System Performance Report Author: Bertini, Robert L., George, Dean, Downey, Matthew Year: 2013 Our transportation system is a key ingredient in the economy, quality of life and urban fabric of the Portland metropolitan area. It has been stated in the past that it is not possible to manage our transportation system tomorrow unless we understand how it is performing today. In this spirit, Portland State University has been working with regional and statewide partners to develop new capabilities to measure, monitor and track the performance of the transportation system in real time and using archived data sources. We believe that it is possible to leverage these disparate data sources toward providing better transportation system performance information for planners, engineers, citizens, researchers and decision-makers. Using this information, we can collaboratively develop policies and programs that can help make our transportation system more efficient, equitable and effective. With this in mind, we are pleased to present the 2012 Portland Metropolitan Region Transportation System Performance Report. We have attempted to make this report comprehensive and multimodal in spirit. We truly view this as a starting point, a work in progress, and we intend to continue to improve the content and format of this report in years to come. Of the new charts that were added for this years’ report, several relate to environmental health or sustainability (air quality, drive-alone commuters, etc.). We are also in the process of developing other “green” performance measures such as motor vehicle emissions, fuel consumption, and person-miles traveled. These new performance measures will appear in future versions of this report. Title: 2012 Portland Metropolitan Region Transportation System Performance Report Author: Bertini, Robert L., George, Dean, Downey, Matthew Year: 2013 Our transportation system is a key ingredient in the economy, quality of life and urban fabric of the Portland metropolitan area. It has been stated in the past that it is not possible to manage our transportation system tomorrow unless we understand how it is performing today. In this spirit, Portland State University has been working with regional and statewide partners to develop new capabilities to measure, monitor and track the performance of the transportation system in real time and using archived data sources. We believe that it is possible to leverage these disparate data sources toward providing better transportation system performance information for planners, engineers, citizens, researchers and decision-makers. Using this information, we can collaboratively develop policies and programs that can help make our transportation system more efficient, equitable and effective. With this in mind, we are pleased to present the 2012 Portland Metropolitan Region Transportation System Performance Report. We have attempted to make this report comprehensive and multimodal in spirit. We truly view this as a starting point, a work in progress, and we intend to continue to improve the content and format of this report in years to come. Of the new charts that were added for this years’ report, several relate to environmental health or sustainability (air quality, drive-alone commuters, etc.). We are also in the process of developing other “green” performance measures such as motor vehicle emissions, fuel consumption, and person-miles traveled. These new performance measures will appear in future versions of this report. Close

• 4. [Article] Case Study Evaluation of Dynamic Traffic Assignment Tools

  A case study was undertaken in order to evaluate the potential use of dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) tools by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and its partner agencies. The objectives of this ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Case Study Evaluation of Dynamic Traffic Assignment Tools Author: Gliebe, John, Bergman, Åsa Year: 2011 A case study was undertaken in order to evaluate the potential use of dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) tools by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and its partner agencies. The objectives of this study were to provide insight into the nature of DTA models, to inform the program selection process, and to develop realistic expectations for potential DTA work plans. The overarching goal of this report is to describe the process followed and experiences of the study team in developing and testing DTA network models. Two available DTA programs were selected for in-depth analysis from a preliminary screening of available programs: DynusT, an open-source program, and Dynameq, a commercially licensed product of INRO Inc. DynusT is a mesoscopic simulation DTA, with link-level resolution. In contrast, Dynameq is a mesoscopic simulation DTA with microscopic elements, such as lane-level resolution and lane-changing behavior. Title: Case Study Evaluation of Dynamic Traffic Assignment Tools Author: Gliebe, John, Bergman, Åsa Year: 2011 A case study was undertaken in order to evaluate the potential use of dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) tools by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and its partner agencies. The objectives of this study were to provide insight into the nature of DTA models, to inform the program selection process, and to develop realistic expectations for potential DTA work plans. The overarching goal of this report is to describe the process followed and experiences of the study team in developing and testing DTA network models. Two available DTA programs were selected for in-depth analysis from a preliminary screening of available programs: DynusT, an open-source program, and Dynameq, a commercially licensed product of INRO Inc. DynusT is a mesoscopic simulation DTA, with link-level resolution. In contrast, Dynameq is a mesoscopic simulation DTA with microscopic elements, such as lane-level resolution and lane-changing behavior. Close

• 5. [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

• 6. [Article] Webinar: Exploring Pedestrian Responsive Traffic Signal Timing Strategies in Urban Areas

  The role of walking in the development of healthy, livable communities is being increasingly recognized. In urban areas, intersections are often viewed as a deterrent to walking, as their operation primarily ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Webinar: Exploring Pedestrian Responsive Traffic Signal Timing Strategies in Urban Areas Author: Kothuri, Sirisha Murthy Year: 2015 The role of walking in the development of healthy, livable communities is being increasingly recognized. In urban areas, intersections are often viewed as a deterrent to walking, as their operation primarily favors automobiles, leading to large and unnecessary delays for pedestrians. There is currently very limited research on accommodating and/or prioritizing pedestrians at signalized intersections in the North American context. Pedestrians are often considered as a deterrent to efficient vehicular traffic flow and therefore active efforts to include them in operational decisions at intersections have been lagging. This research aims to fill that gap by understanding factors that influence pedestrian crossing behavior at signalized intersections and developing cost effective and easily deployable signal timing strategies that could be employed at intersections, to increase efficiency for pedestrians. Title: Webinar: Exploring Pedestrian Responsive Traffic Signal Timing Strategies in Urban Areas Author: Kothuri, Sirisha Murthy Year: 2015 The role of walking in the development of healthy, livable communities is being increasingly recognized. In urban areas, intersections are often viewed as a deterrent to walking, as their operation primarily favors automobiles, leading to large and unnecessary delays for pedestrians. There is currently very limited research on accommodating and/or prioritizing pedestrians at signalized intersections in the North American context. Pedestrians are often considered as a deterrent to efficient vehicular traffic flow and therefore active efforts to include them in operational decisions at intersections have been lagging. This research aims to fill that gap by understanding factors that influence pedestrian crossing behavior at signalized intersections and developing cost effective and easily deployable signal timing strategies that could be employed at intersections, to increase efficiency for pedestrians. Close

• 7. [Article] Focusing on Equity in Regional Plans

  Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have long been required to consider the equity implications of their regional transportation plans and processes.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Focusing on Equity in Regional Plans Author: Williams, Kristine M. Year: 2017 Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have long been required to consider the equity implications of their regional transportation plans and processes. Title: Focusing on Equity in Regional Plans Author: Williams, Kristine M. Year: 2017 Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have long been required to consider the equity implications of their regional transportation plans and processes. Close

• 8. [Article] Disseminating the Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP) Education Model

  The University of Oregon has developed a catalytic learning model that simultaneously meets the needs of both the next generation’s transportation workforce and cities looking for innovative and catalytic ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Disseminating the Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP) Education Model Author: Larco, Nico, Schlossberg, Marc Year: 2016 The University of Oregon has developed a catalytic learning model that simultaneously meets the needs of both the next generation’s transportation workforce and cities looking for innovative and catalytic ways to advance a new era of transportation goals. Named the Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP), the model links local community priorities (as expressed through local plans and city council goals) with courses from a range of disciplines at a nearby university. The UO program engages 500+ multidisciplinary students annually in providing 60,000+ hours of work to city-identified projects using the existing administrative systems of both universities and local communities. This NITC technology transfer project assisted in the national dissemination of the SCYP model through a specific set of strategies and resources. These tools included turning training content into webinars and videos to communicate content virtually, disseminating training content through targeted on-site events, hosting a national training conference, and creating a searchable catalog platform of transportation projects from all the programs now running a version of SCYP at their universities. This project has catalyzed the creation of three new programs specifically (University of South Florida, University of Colorado Denver, and Western Washington University) and has provide helpful tools that have significantly increased the capacity of universities to access high-quality SCYP training material for their own future program development. Title: Disseminating the Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP) Education Model Author: Larco, Nico, Schlossberg, Marc Year: 2016 The University of Oregon has developed a catalytic learning model that simultaneously meets the needs of both the next generation’s transportation workforce and cities looking for innovative and catalytic ways to advance a new era of transportation goals. Named the Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP), the model links local community priorities (as expressed through local plans and city council goals) with courses from a range of disciplines at a nearby university. The UO program engages 500+ multidisciplinary students annually in providing 60,000+ hours of work to city-identified projects using the existing administrative systems of both universities and local communities. This NITC technology transfer project assisted in the national dissemination of the SCYP model through a specific set of strategies and resources. These tools included turning training content into webinars and videos to communicate content virtually, disseminating training content through targeted on-site events, hosting a national training conference, and creating a searchable catalog platform of transportation projects from all the programs now running a version of SCYP at their universities. This project has catalyzed the creation of three new programs specifically (University of South Florida, University of Colorado Denver, and Western Washington University) and has provide helpful tools that have significantly increased the capacity of universities to access high-quality SCYP training material for their own future program development. Close

• 9. [Article] More Urban Form, Fewer Auto Trips

  Trip generation refers to the number of vehicle trips that are predicted to originate in a given zone. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) publishes standard trip generation rates for various ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: More Urban Form, Fewer Auto Trips Author: Clifton, Kelly J. Year: 2014 Trip generation refers to the number of vehicle trips that are predicted to originate in a given zone. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) publishes standard trip generation rates for various land use types, but these rates are primarily measured in low-density suburban areas. There is national interest in building data that expands upon the existing ITE trip generation rates to include sites located in a multi-modal context. In areas that have a more compact urban form, better access to transit and a greater mix of land uses, fewer vehicle trips may be generated there than ITE rates indicate. However, there is a strong industry bias toward using ITE-published rates, so that when local governments are evaluating transportation impacts and calculating transportation system development charges, they are often compelled to use ITE rates instead of local data, especially in the absence of an empirically tested methodology for adjusting the ITE standard rates. An OTREC project headed by Kelly Clifton, of Portland State University, examines the ways in which urban context affects vehicle trip-generation rates across a variety of land uses. In the study, Clifton developed a model to adjust ITE’s trip generation rates for urban contexts Title: More Urban Form, Fewer Auto Trips Author: Clifton, Kelly J. Year: 2014 Trip generation refers to the number of vehicle trips that are predicted to originate in a given zone. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) publishes standard trip generation rates for various land use types, but these rates are primarily measured in low-density suburban areas. There is national interest in building data that expands upon the existing ITE trip generation rates to include sites located in a multi-modal context. In areas that have a more compact urban form, better access to transit and a greater mix of land uses, fewer vehicle trips may be generated there than ITE rates indicate. However, there is a strong industry bias toward using ITE-published rates, so that when local governments are evaluating transportation impacts and calculating transportation system development charges, they are often compelled to use ITE rates instead of local data, especially in the absence of an empirically tested methodology for adjusting the ITE standard rates. An OTREC project headed by Kelly Clifton, of Portland State University, examines the ways in which urban context affects vehicle trip-generation rates across a variety of land uses. In the study, Clifton developed a model to adjust ITE’s trip generation rates for urban contexts Close

• 10. [Article] Development, Deployment, and Assessment of a New Educational Paradigm for Transportation Professionals and University Students

  Traditionally, engineering coursework has been delivered in a lecture-based format with accompanying exercises assigned for time outside of class. The activity-based approach to learning aims to keep students ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Development, Deployment, and Assessment of a New Educational Paradigm for Transportation Professionals and University Students Author: Monsere, Christopher Year: 2013 Traditionally, engineering coursework has been delivered in a lecture-based format with accompanying exercises assigned for time outside of class. The activity-based approach to learning aims to keep students engaged in and responsible for their own learning processes. This approach has been shown to be more effective than conventional teaching approaches in terms of long-term retention of the educational material. Title: Development, Deployment, and Assessment of a New Educational Paradigm for Transportation Professionals and University Students Author: Monsere, Christopher Year: 2013 Traditionally, engineering coursework has been delivered in a lecture-based format with accompanying exercises assigned for time outside of class. The activity-based approach to learning aims to keep students engaged in and responsible for their own learning processes. This approach has been shown to be more effective than conventional teaching approaches in terms of long-term retention of the educational material. Close