Oregon Transit Association News

News Release: Oregon Transit Association Thanks Lawmakers for Support of Transit Funding, Will Continue Call to Action

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:45:52 GMT

News Release

For Immediate Release

June 30, 2025

Contact: Patrick Sieng, Executive Director, 503-558-5815, patrick@oregontransit.com

Oregon Transit Association Thanks Lawmakers for Support of Transit Funding, Will Continue Call to Action

Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package did not pass this legislative session, placing transit riders at risk of losing vital service

The Oregon Transit Association (OTA) is deeply disappointed that House Bill 2025 did not pass this legislative session. The OTA thanks members of the Oregon Legislature who helped to craft the Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package (TRIP). This bold package was proposed to balance the needs of transportation users across the state, including the many Oregonians who ride transit.

The outcome of this legislative session is devastating for transit agencies and the riders who depend on their services. But OTA is hopeful that the Legislature can build on these negotiations and approve stable, sufficient funding for transit in a future session.

The financial challenges that transit agencies face are not going away. Without strong action by the Oregon Legislature to protect transit service, tens of thousands of Oregonians will lose access to reliable public transportation. In many communities, this outcome will be devastating for the local economy, cause significant strain on service providers, and place many transit-dependent riders at risk, especially those who rely on transit to access lifesaving services.

Although this outcome is deeply disappointing for OTA members and devastating for riders who depend on transit, the OTA applauds lawmakers who worked together to negotiate and put forward a strong proposal to invest in transportation and meet Oregonians’ needs. The OTA is hopeful that the Legislature can build on these negotiations and approve stable, sufficient funding for transit in a future session.

Transit service is in danger

Rural and urban transit agencies alike have faced a sharp increase in operating costs in recent years, driven mainly by inflation. The cost of operating a transit vehicle increased by more than 50% from 2019 to 2024. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic brought lasting changes to Oregonians’ work situations and travel patterns. Oregon has one of the highest rates of remote work in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

Transit agencies have been working to adapt to the changes that Oregon has seen coming out of the pandemic. They have reallocated resources and streamlined service to meet riders’ needs. While operating efficiently is a priority for OTA members, from urban areas to rural communities, these savings are limited in comparison to the fiscal cliff they now face in the coming years. Without any action from the lawmakers, widespread service cuts are inevitable.

Without stable, sufficient funding from the Oregon Legislature for transit, agencies will be forced to make deep cuts to transit service within the next few years. This funding shortfall jeopardizes the progress that transit agencies have made in rebuilding ridership and realigning service to meet the current needs. In many cases, transit agencies may have no choice but to eliminate service that connects transit-dependent riders to jobs, school and services. Tens of thousands of Oregonians will lose transit access in the absence of more funding from the Legislature.

Many benefits of transit

Transit benefits every Oregonian, even those who aren’t regular riders.

Buses and trains effectively replace car trips, in both rural and urban areas — reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and making streets safer.

Transit attracts development, fostering smart growth in areas where people can live, work and recreate without driving.

Many transit riders in Oregon rely on public transportation to get where they need to go. Transit serves commuters, students, seniors, people with disabilities, people on low or limited incomes, and many more from all backgrounds. About 1 in 4 people in Oregon can’t or don’t drive. For them, transit is a lifeline, connecting them with jobs, school and services, including health care. Without stable, sufficient funding for transit service, that lifeline will be cut off for many transit-dependent Oregonians.

The path forward

It is important for members of the Oregon Legislature, as well as the public, to understand that the financial challenges that transit agencies face are not going away. Without strong action by lawmakers to protect transit service, tens of thousands of Oregonians will lose access to reliable public transportation. In many communities, this outcome will be devastating for the local economy, cause significant strain on service providers, and place many transit-dependent riders at risk, especially those who rely on transit to access lifesaving services.

The OTA is grateful for the support that transit received during this legislative session, including from pro-transit lawmakers and members of the public who joined us in urging the Legislature to provide more funding for transit. The phased 0.2% increase in the employee payroll tax proposed in HB 2025 represents a compromise that will help to protect transit access for tens of thousands of Oregonians, and the OTA hopes that this increase will serve as the starting point in any future legislative work on a transportation package.

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NEWS RELEASE: Transportation Reinvestment Package includes badly needed funding for Oregon transit service

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:43:20 GMT

News Release

For Immediate Release

June 10, 2025

Contact: Patrick Sieng, Executive Director, 503-558-5815, patrick@oregontransit.com

Transportation Reinvestment Package includes badly needed funding for Oregon transit service

The Oregon Transit Association and its members call on state lawmakers to immediately take up and pass critical legislation that will preserve transit access for tens of thousands of Oregonians.

SALEM – The Oregon Transit Association (OTA) strongly supports House Bill 2025, the Transportation Reinvestment Package.

HB 2025 contains critical funding for transit agencies across the state. Passing this important bill will save transit service that Oregonians depend on every day.

For months, the OTA has been calling on members of the Oregon Legislature to support transit as part of this transportation package. The bill released yesterday includes a phased 0.2% increase over five years in the employee payroll tax rate that supports transit through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF). While the increase is less than the OTA initially requested, this additional funding will help avoid deep cuts to service that urban and rural transit agencies throughout Oregon may be forced to make if the Legislature does not take any action.

Oregonians can show support for the transit funding proposal by submitting written testimony until 4 p.m. on Friday, June 13.

The value of transit

Communities across the state depend on transit. In parts of Oregon, students rely on public transportation to get to school. Many seniors and people with disabilities take the bus to the grocery store, the pharmacy, their doctor’s office and more. Roughly 1 in 4 Oregonians can’t or don’t drive. For them, transit is an essential service, getting them where they need to go.

Every Oregonian benefits from transit service, even those who don’t ride. Transit vehicles replace the equivalent of thousands of car trips each year, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

Transit also supports the economy. Every $1 invested in transit generates $5 for the local economy, according to research by the American Public Transportation Association.

Transit agencies employ thousands of people across Oregon, providing family-wage jobs. Streets, neighborhoods and cities with transit service are more attractive as places to live, work and do business. Transit-oriented development has transformed communities with affordable housing, retail and recreation.

What’s at stake

Rising costs have placed transit service at risk. Driven by inflation and other economic factors, the cost of providing transit service rose by about 50% from 2019 to 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic also prompted widespread changes in the way that people work, travel and use transit.

Since then, transit agencies have made progress in restoring service, rebuilding ridership and reallocating resources to meet demand. At this time, service cuts would be a devastating setback for transit agencies and the riders who depend on them.

If lawmakers do not take action and pass HB 2025 in this legislative session, transit agencies across Oregon will be forced to cut service and leave tens of thousands of Oregonians stranded without the service they depend on — cutting people off from jobs and school, driving up transportation costs, and preventing many individuals from accessing health care and other vital services.

House Bill 2025 is a sensible compromise that will maintain and preserve Oregon’s transportation system, including funding that will prevent a disaster scenario for public transit. The OTA urges the members of the Legislature to pass the transportation package this legislative session.

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News Release: Oregon transit agencies face deep cuts without changes to transportation package

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:54:34 GMT

News Release

For Immediate Release

April 17, 2025

Contact: Allan Pollock, Vice President, 503-910-3288, allan.pollock@cherriots.org

Oregon transit agencies face deep cuts without changes to transportation package

Oregon Transit Association and transit providers call for phased increase in transit funding to avoid leaving tens of thousands of Oregonians without viable transit options

The Oregon Transit Association (OTA) urges members of the Oregon Legislature to take action before transit agencies across the state are forced to cut services transit riders and communities rely on.

Without state funding that goes beyond what is currently included in the initial framework for the Oregon Legislature’s 2025 statewide transportation package, transit agencies across Oregon may be forced to cut as much as 25% of their service in the next few years, with devastating impacts to the economy, environment and quality of life.

The current proposed transit funding in the statewide transportation package includes just a 0.08% increase to the employee payroll tax rate that supports transit, through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF). This would be a minimal increase to what is already a very low tax rate. A person making $50,000 a year currently pays $4.17 a month. In comparison, the average driver spends roughly $40 a month in gas taxes and vehicle fees.

Instead, OTA is calling on legislators to pass a phased 0.4% increase over eight years. This gradual increase would avert a disaster scenario for public transportation in Oregon. A survey of OTA members found nearly two-thirds (63%) of transit agencies face current or future budget deficits.

Transit service is at risk

Transit has historically been a tiny piece of Oregon’s transportation budget. Many transit agencies already had narrow operating margins even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the pandemic brought changes to work and travel patterns. Transit agencies have seen a big rise in remote work, and fare revenue is down from where it was six years ago.

Inflation has hit the public transportation sector hard, driving up the cost of providing transit service by about 50% from 2019 to 2024. Transit agencies have also invested in safety and security measures, in response to Oregon’s public safety challenges.

“The loss of fare revenue and the increase in operating costs mean transit agencies will be forced to reduce service, eliminate hundreds of jobs and cut off transit access for tens of thousands of Oregonians who depend on it,” said Jameson Auten, CEO of Lane Transit District.

Tens of thousands of Oregonians, living all over the state, depend on public transit every day. In some communities, the public bus is the school bus for many students. These students make up a portion of the roughly 25% of Oregonians who can’t or don’t drive. That quarter of the population also includes many seniors and people with disabilities, who rely on public transportation to get to the grocery store or pharmacy, to reach health care appointments, and more. For many of them, transit is an essential and often lifesaving service.

"Oregon’s public transportation sector also employs thousands,” said Julie Brown, Rogue Valley Transportation District General Manager. “Transit agencies offer family-wage jobs that are open to a wide range of people, including those without college degrees — breaking down barriers to employment and providing opportunities for advancement. Many of these jobs could be eliminated if transit is not adequately funded, causing further economic hardship.”

“Every Oregonian, regardless of age, ability or income, should be able to access affordable transportation,” said Derek Hofbauer, OTA President. “Increased transit funding will provide Oregonians better access to jobs, education, health care, and other essential services in their communities.

Investing in public transit pays off for Oregon

Investing in transit pays dividends for the economy. Every $1 invested in transit generates $5 for the local economy, according to research by the American Public Transportation Association. Transit fosters development and directly supports the economy by employing workers and giving people access to jobs, education, shopping, services and recreation. Higher transit use also means lower vehicle miles traveled, helping reduce congestion and traffic crashes, and benefiting the environment through reduced car emissions and cleaner air.

“Transit agencies need additional funding to meet the needs of seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities,” said Sam Desue Jr., TriMet General Manager. “For this growing population, access to transit is important to ensure residents are able to access health care, VA clinics, shopping, and other important destinations.”

“The Legislature has the opportunity in this legislative session to make a historic investment in transit service,” said Allan Pollock, Cherriots (Salem Area Mass Transit District) General Manager. “The consequences of inaction would be deep and widespread.”

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Submit a Nomination for Annual OTA or TOGO Awards by September 15th

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 22:35:11 GMT

We look forward to recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to public transportation and transportation options. Award winners will be recognized at the Oregon Public Transportation Conference October 27-30 at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center. A special awards luncheon will be held Tuesday, October 29th at 11:30 a.m.

Please consider nominating an individual/organization for one of these awards:

OTA SYSTEM INNOVATION: Honoring a public transportation system that has demonstrated innovative concepts or effective problem-solving techniques not previously applied in the public transportation industry.
OTA OUTSTANDING TRANSIT TEAM MEMBER: Honoring an employee or board member of a public transportation system who has made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
OTA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Honoring a public transportation decisionmaker, elected or public official, or private citizen who has contributed at the highest level to the public transportation industry through policy, legislative initiative, and leadership.
OTA HERO AWARD: Honoring a public transportation employee, volunteer, or passenger who has demonstrated a high level of compassion and care to those using transit services.
OTA DRIVER OF THE YEAR: Honoring a public transportation driver who has consistently demonstrated outstanding service and care to their passengers.
TOGO INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR: Recognizing an individual Transportation Options (TO) professional, elected official, or private citizen who greatly contributed a TO project or program which demonstrated a reduction in drive-alone trips.
TOGO PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Recognizes exemplary transportation options programs or projects that have demonstrated a reduction in drive alone trips or directly contributed to the implementation of Oregon’s TO Plan.

Submit a Nomination Online by September 15th at https://forms.gle/EJDEhipE2CyTZcEp9

Stories from the Roadshow: OTA Members Engage with Legislators at Statewide Hearings

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:13:47 GMT

Hunter Nelms (right) testifies about the Lane Transit District discount pass program for the Restored Connections Peer Center in Eugene.

As the Lane Events Center in Eugene was loading in carnival rides and vendors for the Lane County Fair, legislators from the Joint Committee on Transportation and local elected officials from the region gathered to hear about transportation needs and funding from dozens of community members.

Among the community members was Hunter Nelms, a formerly incarcerated individual who is in long term recovery from substance abuse. He now is a peer supervisor at Restored Connections Peer Center in Eugene that serves others with substance abuse issues and face challenges with transportation.

"Thanks to the non profit bus passes and day passes from the Lane Transit District, those we serve are able to get to job interviews, work shifts, substance use disorder treatment, therapy, and visits with their children," said Nelms.

He went on to describe an individual who came into the program struggling with substance abuse and because of support from Lane Transit District, is now one of the leaders in the program.

"That's just one of many successes made possible by public transportation," said Nelms.

Carolyn Oakley (center) testifies about how transit helps seniors get out of their homes in the Linn County area at the committee's hearing in Albany.

Similar sentiments were heard at the Linn-Benton Community College campus in Albany by the committee, including from one of their former peers who now uses transit.

Former State Rep. Carolyn Oakley, who served in the legislature from 1989 to 1999, said she has used public transit and the Paratransit Call a Ride service in Albany for 10 years.

"Transit allows seniors to get out of their homes, visit their friends, have a meal at a restaurant, places of employment, and medical appointments," said Oakley. "Sitting at home is not healthy."

She went on to praise transit drivers, saying "We have great drivers, they are amazing. They are sensitive to needs of dialysis patients going to the clinic three days a week which is very tough for those patients."

As her two-minute timer went off, Oakley put in the last word to the committee.

"I love public transportation," said Oakley.

The stories at these hearings will help legislators shape what is expected to be a large transportation funding package during the 2025 session. The last transportation package, passed in 2017, created a statewide payroll tax to fund the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund, sending approximately $100 million annually to public transit providers.

Agency members of the Oregon Transit Association have been actively engaged in the roadshow, which has eight more stops spanning from Coos Bay to Ontario to Hillsboro between now and the end of September. Agencies have provided busses, engaged with legislators during community roundtables, and have testified at the public hearings. OTA encourages agencies near the roadshow stops to engage with the committee and has developed a roadshow guide for how to do so. The guide was sent to transit directors last week and is available on the Members Only area of the website.

The committee continues its tour Aug. 7 in Coos Bay and Aug. 8 in Medford. Additional stops include: Aug. 28 in Ontario, Aug. 29 in Hermiston, Sept. 12 in Bend, Sept. 13 in The Dalles, Sept. 25 in Salem, Sept. 26 in Happy Valley, and Sept. 27 in Hillsboro.

Oregon Public Transportation Conference in Seaside Oct. 27-30 Ramps Up

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:13:26 GMT

Over 250 public transit leaders and advocates are expected to converge in Seaside Oct. 27 for the annual Oregon Public Transportation Conference. Except this one is the first conference in person after a four year break. Conference planners have appropriately themed the conference "The ABCs of Transportation: Accessibility, Back to Basics, and Capacity Building."

The conference is Oct. 27 to 30 at the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. Registration is open now and most public transit agencies qualify for scholarship assistance from the Oregon Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division. More information and registration is available online at www.oregontransit.com.

Keynote Speakers include:

Scott Crabtree, CEO and "Chief Happiness Officer" of Happy Brain Science
Anthony Poponi, CEO & Founder, Focus on the 40
The Honorable Chris Gorsek, State Senator & Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation
The Honorable Susan McLain, State Representative & Co-CHair of the Joint Committee on Transportation

Exhibitors and Sponsors are also coming back to Seaside and will have an impressive display of busses, vans, and other transit items. Exhibitor Registration is available online at https://whova.com/portal/registration/optc_202410/exhibitor.

Thank You to Our Sponsors! (as of 7/19/24)

Gold
- Schetky Bus and Van Sales
Silver
- Model1 Commercial Vehicles
- Northwest Bus Sales, Inc.
Bronze
- Commute with Enterprise
- Q'Straint
Exhibitors
- ALTRO, USA
- Busstuf
- Complete Coach Works
- Freedman Seating Company
- Gerflor USA
- Northwest Alliance for Clean Transportation
- Streamline
- Transportation Options Group of Oregon
- UZURV
- Wabtec Bus Solutions

Call for Proposals Due April 15th - Oregon Public Transportation Conference

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 07:16:56 GMT

Submit Proposals at https://forms.gle/q5AKys8sRVGoABzU7

Deadline to Submit: April 15, 2024

Conference Theme: ABCs of Transportation - Accessibility, Back to Basics, and Capacity Building

Conference Date: October 27-30, 2024

Location: Seaside Civic & Convention Center

Desired Topics: Any topics related to the conference theme including Fixed Route, Demand Response, Transportation Options, Technology, Professional Development, Coordination/Communication, Success Stories

Submission Details:

Submit proposals separately.
Do not submit duplicate proposals under different topics. Select the topic closest to your main ideas.
Do not submit preselected full panel proposals.
Be sure to add ALL proposed speakers (you and a partner if it’s a joint presentation)
OTA will communicate with the submitter for all notifications and deadlines, who must then share the information as needed with their speaker(s)
Submissions should avoid being a sales pitch or overly commercial.
All proposals must be submitted using the online form to be considered.
Be concise when submitting your proposal ideas (350 words max)
Submissions should reflect innovative, cutting-edge content.
OTA will confirm if your submission has been accepted as a speaker on a panel or another opportunity.
Submitters may submit multiple proposals but will only have one opportunity to speak, if selected
After a careful review, all submitters will receive an official notification by email.
Submissions are not automatically accepted and OTA reserves the right to make all final decisions on speaker selections.
Decision notifications will be sent out mid to late April 2024.

Oregon Transit Association and Amalgamated Transit Union introduce legislation to apply Interfering with Public Transportation statute to illicit drug use

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 04:50:18 GMT

The Oregon Transit Association (OTA) and the Amalgamated Transit Union 757 (ATU) are introducing Senate Bill 1553-1, which adds the use of illicit drugs on public transit to the offenses punishable under the crime of Interfering with Public Transportation (IPT).

As with most Interfering with Public Transportation offenses, a person using illicit drugs on a public transit vehicle or at a transit station could be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor. Senate Bill 1553-1 classifies this form of IPT as drug-designated misdemeanor, allowing individuals convicted of the crime to access state-funded treatment in many instances.

The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Kate Lieber (D), Dist. 14.

Stopping illicit drug use on public transit

The fentanyl addiction crisis in Oregon has led to unprecedented public emergency declarations, and the widespread open use of illicit drugs in public spaces has extended onto the state’s public transportation systems. Illicit drug use is particularly problematic on transit, which brings people together for a shared ride in the confined spaces of buses and trains.

“Transit is a vital public resource and a unique type of public space,” said Derek Hofbauer, Board President for the Oregon Transit Association. “Unlike sidewalks and other open public spaces, transit riders must wait at designated transit stops and stations, making it difficult to avoid exposure to illicit drug use.”

Public transit must feel safe and accessible for everyone, and particularly for the families, essential workers, high school students, individuals with disabilities, and other Oregonians who depend on transit as a lifeline to jobs, education, and health care. Expanding the Interfering with Public Transportation statute to cover the use of illicit drugs on transit will give law enforcement the tools necessary to keep public transit, its riders and its employees safe.

“Public transit must be a drug-free zone,” said Shirley Block President of Amalgamated Transit Union 757. “Our union operators and transit field staff have the right to do their jobs without worrying about the unpredictable behavior of people using illicit drugs or fearing potential long-term exposure to drug fumes.”

Illicit drug use on transit undermines community revitalization

Illicit drug use on or near public transit makes both riders and employees feel unsafe. When people feel unsafe, they are less likely to ride transit or seek employment as a bus driver or train operator. This cycle threatens the financial health of transit agencies and their ability to provide public transportation for their communities.

Safe and reliable public transportation is a cornerstone of a thriving society. It is a vital source of equitable transportation that contributes to community revitalization and economic development, reduces traffic congestion, and plays an important role in meeting local, regional, and statewide climate action goals.

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ODOT: New handbook will help local governments navigate funding opportunities to reduce emissions from transportation

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 21:30:16 GMT

A new handbook will help local governments navigate state and federal funding opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

The Every Mile Counts Funding Handbook for Local Governments provides information about the various resources available, including funding amounts, which federal or state agency is in charge, when to apply, who to talk to, and where to learn more.

Read the funding handbook PDF online.

More than $369 billion in federal funds are available, thanks to recent historic investments from Congress to help the country transition to clean energy and tackle climate change. Many state funding opportunities are available, too.

The handbook was published by the Every Mile Counts partnership of state agencies, which includes the Oregon Departments of Environmental Quality, Land Conservation and Development, Transportation, and Energy.

Transportation makes up about 35% of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. State agencies are working to reduce emissions from transportation over the next several decades; by 2050, emissions will be 60% lower than they were in 1990. Learn how at the Oregon transportation emissions website.

For more information about the handbook, contact:

Cody Meyer, Land Use and Transportation Planner, DLCD, 971-239-9475.

Brian Hurley, Senior Transportation Planner, ODOT, 503-986-4398.

OTA Welcomes Suzanne Carlson as New Administrator for ODOT PTD

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 21:29:46 GMT

Suzanne Carlson, who recently served as director of ODOT's Climate Office, was named administrator for ODOT's Public Transportation Division and will join the OTA Board of Directors.

Carlson joined ODOT as Director of its Climate Office in July 2021. She has worked throughout the country in multimodal transportation and climate action, with a focus on collaboration and results. Prior to joining ODOT, Carlson led transit and active transportation programs for Tennessee DOT, Innovate Memphis and Chicago DOT. She also served as Director of Environmental Affairs at Chicago Public Schools. Carlson has a Master’s in Public Administration and is a LEED Accredited Professional BD+C.

She can be contacted at suzanne.carlson@odot.oregon.gov or 503-986-3300.

Please welcome Suzanne to the OTA!

Oregon Transportation Forum Annual Meeting Brings Ideas and Cautious Optimism Ahead of Legislative Sessions

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 21:29:16 GMT

Legislators and transportation industry leaders, including many OTA members, attended the Oregon Transportation Forum annual meeting today in Portland at the David Evans & Associates headquarters.

OTA board members present included President Andi Howell from Sandy Area Metro, Vice President Tom Markgraf from Tri-Met, Past President Julie Brown from Rogue Valley Transit District, Pat Walsh from Lane Transit District, Julie Wilcke Pilmer from Ride Connection, and Suzanne Carlson from the ODOT Public Transportation Division. OTA staff present included executive director Patrick Sieng and government affairs director Drew Hagedorn. Other transit advocates in attendance included Miles Pengilly from Tri-Met, Tyler Janzen from Thorn Run Partners representing Tri-Met, Waylon Buchan from CFM Advocates representing Cherriots and Rogue Valley Transit District.

Senator Brian Boquist (I-Dallas), Senator Chris Gorsek (D-Troutdale), and Representative Susan McLain (D-Hillsboro) made up the legislative panel to provide a preview to attendees of the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions. All three did not expect there to be any major transportation initiatives for the short session, but said there is a "big lift" for transportation advocates ahead of the 2025 session.

Brown, who also chairs the Oregon Transportation Commission, also shared tidbits about her insight of the department, the state's funding challenges, and how we have to work together leading up to 2025. She was introduced by Hagedorn. Both are pictured above.

Attendees learned about transportation funding, electric vehicles, and also spent some time strategizing on how to prepare for a comprehensive funding package in the 2025 session.

The Public Transportation Advisory Committee to hold a meeting September 11, 2023

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 04:54:22 GMT

The Public Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC) will hold its meeting both in person and by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5033836733 at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023. The agenda and materials for this meeting are available on the PTAC website.

Agenda for the May PTAC Meeting will be as follows:

Executive Committee Update
Approval of Recovery Funding – CARES/ARP Discretionary Grant Funds
Approval of updated Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan for Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD)
ODVA- Rural Veterans Overview
Public Transit Division Updates

Meetings of the Public Transportation Advisory Committee are open to the public, this meeting is a hybrid meeting and will take place both in person and virtually through Zoom. The in-person location will be at: The ODOT Mill Creek office - 555 13 St. NE, Salem Oregon, 97301. (Parking Permits are required and will be provided when you check in at the Mill Creek building.)

Written public comments are being accepted and can be delivered by completing the PTAC Presentation or Comment Submission form. Accommodations will be provided to people with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available on request. Please call 503-986-3300 (or statewide relay 711) for accommodations.

Meeting Materials will be provided on September 7, 2023 and if you would like to learn more about this committee’s work, visit the Public Transportation programs website.

For information: Stephanie Zellner, stephanie.zellner@odot.oregon.gov

ODOT Hiring Public Transportation Division Administrator

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 04:52:58 GMT

APPLY TODAY

Join our team as the Public Transportation Division Administrator! In this role, you will represent and oversee public transportation program delivery. This position is a member of ODOT’s agency leadership team which supports the statewide mission, goals and strategy for ODOT. In addition, this position oversees the Public Transportation Advisory Committee and the Rail Advisory Committee who are directly responsible to the Oregon Transportation Commission. This position is the legislative contact for rail and public transportation issues and information. Apply today to join our team!

We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our positions and hope you will join us on our path to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an agency that embraces social equity through our values, strategic planning, and actions. Leaning into our equity priorities means we continually examine what we do, the impact we have, and our progress toward weaving social equity into who we are. To learn more about our social equity commitments, visit our Social Equity website.

Our first application screening is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023. We encourage interested applicants not to delay in applying.

INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE OTA BOARD?

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:32:00 GMT

The OTA Board of Directors has various positions open. If you would like to serve the OTA on the board of directors, please email info@oregontransit.com with your resume and a statement of why you want to serve by August 6th. New board members will be selected at the August 15th annual meeting dinner being held in Vancouver.

FINAL CALL FOR OTA ANNUAL AWARD NOMINATIONS - DUE AUGUST 6th

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:31:26 GMT

Please submit worthy individuals or organizations for our annual awards! This is the final week to submit nominations for the following awards:

SYSTEM INNOVATION: Honoring a public transportation system that has demonstrated innovative concepts or effective problem-solving techniques not previously applied in the public transportation industry.
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE: Honoring an employee of a public transportation system who has made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
OUTSTANDING MANAGER: Honoring a manager of a public transportation system who has made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: Honoring a public transportation decisionmaker, elected or public official, or private citizen who has contributed at the highest level to the public transportation industry through policy, legislative initiative, and leadership.
HERO AWARD: Honoring a public transportation employee, volunteer, or passenger who has demonstrated a high level of compassion and care to those using transit services.
DRIVER OF THE YEAR: Honoring a public transportation driver who has consistently demonstrated outstanding service and care to their passengers.
OUTSTANDING BOARD MEMBER: Honoring a member of a public transportation system's governing board for their outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.

Submit a Nomination - https://forms.gle/tjY91G4TSqBEBAq56

ODOT: Commissioners approve plans, projects to for the near- and long-term

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:32:33 GMT

Commission Approves Oregon Transportation Plan

The commission approved the Oregon Transportation Plan, or OTP, which is the 25-year plan that shapes the state’s transportation system. This new OTP focuses on connecting people and goods in the most climate-friendly, equitable and safe ways.

Oregon’s transportation system faces many significant challenges. The OTP seeks to address these challenges through a policy framework aimed at:

Saving lives.
Centering equity.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Securing sustainable and reliable funding.
Maintaining the existing system and completing critical connections.
Enabling the efficient movement of goods and services.

Additional funding would be required to achieve the many goals of the OTP. The plan includes information on how to prioritize limited funding and how any additional money should be allocated.

“Without additional funding, we need to make tough tradeoff decisions,” said ODOT Director Kris Strickler. “This plan helps us advance toward more equitable outcomes, address the most critical safety issues, and build and maintain a cleaner transportation system with the limited funds we do have.”

The plan recognizes that operations and maintenance of the entire multimodal transportation system is vital. Roadways are a key asset for freight trucks and passenger vehicles, but they are also a conduit for most bikeways and walkways, and they also serve transit buses. The OTP acknowledges that these routes are essential for connecting communities and supporting commerce and that maintaining this system must be balanced with completing the biking and walking system, adding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, expanding transit service and more.

The OTP was developed over the past 18 months with the help of Oregonians with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those representing partner tribes, jurisdictions, agencies and key audience groups. Three major public comment periods ensured input from across the state and in multiple languages. By focusing on the users of the transportation system, the plan includes policies that create benefits for all people and communities.

“The updated OTP charts a path for a different future for Oregon,” said Amanda Pietz, ODOT administrator for the Policy, Data and Analysis Division, where the plan is housed. “We heard loud and clear that the plan is only as useful as it is implemented. The OTP will direct the work of ODOT, but additional partners – including tribes, other state agencies, local governments, members of the private sector and more – will be critical in working with us to implement the policies in this plan so we can fully realize its vision.”

The final adopted OTP and related information are available on the website.

Commission Adopts Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for 2024-2027

The Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, or STIP, is ODOT’s four-year capital improvement program. It includes projects on federal, state, city and county transportation systems (highway, passenger rail, freight, public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian), and projects in the National Parks, National Forests and Indian tribal lands.

The Oregon Transportation Commission and ODOT develop the STIP in coordination with a wide range of key audiences and the public.

The OTC’s action to adopt the Final 2024-2027 STIP enables ODOT to forward the document to the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration for their final approval.

For more information, contact Shelley M. Snow , 503-881-5362, or Kevin Glenn, 503-910-5965

BOARD MEETING UPDATES

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 08:33:27 GMT

OTA will not hold board meetings on July 4th and August 1st.

Our annual meeting will be Tuesday, August 15 at the dinner during the joint conference with WSTA.

Our board meetings will resume Tuesday, September 5 at 10 a.m.

ANNUAL AWARD NOMINATIONS OPEN THROUGH JULY 21

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 08:33:06 GMT

OTA's annual awards will be presented at the joint conference with WSTA during an OTA-only dinner Tuesday, August 15 in Vancouver. Awards may be submitted through July 21 at https://forms.gle/sckUsDA79YWdQP4w8.

Award categories include:

SYSTEM INNOVATION: Honoring a public transportation system that has demonstrated innovative concepts or effective problem-solving techniques not previously applied in the public transportation industry.
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE: Honoring an employee of a public transportation system who has made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
OUTSTANDING MANAGER: Honoring a manager of a public transportation system who has made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: Honoring a public transportation decisionmaker, elected or public official, or private citizen who has contributed at the highest level to the public transportation industry through policy, legislative initiative, and leadership.
HERO AWARD: Honoring a public transportation employee, volunteer, or passenger who has demonstrated a high level of compassion and care to those using transit services.
DRIVER OF THE YEAR: Honoring a public transportation driver who has consistently demonstrated outstanding service and care to their passengers.
OUTSTANDING BOARD MEMBER: Honoring a member of a public transportation system's governing board for their outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR: Honoring a state legislator for outstanding, consistent leaderhsip on issues of highest priority to the transit community.

ONLINE REGISTRATION OPEN FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE AUGUST 13-15 in VANCOUVER

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 08:32:43 GMT

OTA is pleased to join the Washington State Transit Association for a joint public transportation conference and Roadeo.

Information and registration for the conference August 13-15 is available at https://watransit.com/publictransportationconference.

Information and registration for the roadeo August 12-13 is available at https://watransit.com/stateroadeo.

Announcement on Sunset Empire Transit District

Wed, 10 May 2023 08:34:05 GMT

On April 29th, Sunset Empire Transportation District made the difficult decision to halt all transit service to their community due to severe financial issues. Yesterday, the OTA Board of Directors met with district officials to discuss their needs and issues.

OTA members and ODOT are supportive of the district and their community and are offering technical assistance, advice, guidance, and operations support during this difficult time. We are also in contact with key officials at ODOT, the capitol, and with local officials.

If your organization is able to offer any support, please contact Arla Miller, ODOT’s Regional Transit Coordinator for the North Coast, at Arla.Miller@odot.oregon.gov or 503-949-5415.

We are very proud of the OTA community in stepping up to assist one of fellow districts.