Legislative Center
Background
Oregon’s communities face many challenges, from a troubled economy and shrinking budgets, to uncertain energy costs, traffic congestion, and climate change. Transportation options programs use proven transportation demand management (TDM) strategies to cost-effectively address these issues, support employer and workforce transportation needs, and keep things moving.
Transportation Options Solutions
A “TDM Package” of modest investments and supporting policies would provide for major benefits to Oregon
- Reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility
Quickly and cost-effectively help highways and transit carry significantly more people using existing roads, buses and trains. - Save businesses and residents money
Fuel cost savings remain in local economies. Oregon businesses and residents save tens of millions of dollars from reduced fuel bills; providing a boost to the Oregon economy while reducing oil dependence at a time of economic uncertainty. - Support employment and job access
Carpool, vanpool and transit programs provide affordable access to jobs and support employer job retention and recruitment efforts. Investment in TDM also supports the creation of new jobs for Oregon businesses. - Reduce air polution and greenhouse gas emissions
Assist Oregon businesses affected by carbon or air pollution regulations with TDM programs.
Policy Updates
TOGO is working collaboratively with DEQ and ODOT to help implement the Employee Commute Options (ECO) Rule update that will take place in 2025. TOGO recently hosted ODOT’s consultant team to present on Commute Trip Reduction Implementation and Statewide TDM Outreach Research. The recorded webinar and breakout discussion groups can be accessed below:
Commute Trip Reduction Implementation & Statewide TDM Implementation Research Webinar
Breakout 1: Currently Impacted by ECO Rule
Breakout 2: Future Impacted by ECO Rule
ODOT is exploring opportunities to support the ECO Rule expansion throughout the state. They are collecting feedback on the current and future needs for implementation. Please provide your thoughts and recommendations through this survey before Thursday, March 16, 2023. Take the survey here
ODOT developed Oregon’s first transportation options plan, which refines and implements the goals, policies, strategies, and key initiatives in the Oregon Transportation Plan (OTP). Click the link below to download a pdf of the plan.
Oregon’s Transportation Options Plan
TOGO engaged with statewide partners during the legislative session to help pass HB 2017 and voiced strong support for funding transportation options in Oregon. Section 122 of Keep Oregon Moving (Oregon House Bill 2017), which went into effect on October 6, 2017, establishes a new dedicated source of funding for expanding public transportation services in Oregon. This new funding source is called the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund, or STIF. For more information, please visit the ODOT STIF site here: