Let Metro know – we need a bold transportation plan!

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Metro has finally released their recommended projects list for a dismal transportation package (attached). The package brings together a disparate set of spot-fix projects with no commitment to building a bold transit system that will inspire the rapid reduction in driving needed to meet the region’s goals for reducing GHG emissions.

Read what the Families for a Livable Climate team have to say about this, and sign onto their testimony here!

Take action!

Today: Write a statement urging Metro to reject expanded roadway capacity and spot fixes to our transit, bike, and walking system.  Demand a bold vision. See below for expanded notes. Read Metro’s recommendations here.

Wednesday: Turn up for the next task force meeting.  Wear red.  We will be joining other organizations concerned about Metro’s process and direction to flood the Council and Task Force with statements. We will be testifying with our presence at the meeting.  Be there!

When – Wed Nov 20, 5:30PM – 8:00PM
Where – Metro Regional Center, Council Chamber, 600 NE Grand Ave, Portland.

With questions or requests for assistance, email Jessie at jessielucidamaran@gmail.com

What do I do with my statement?

Metro has announced that only 15 slots will be available for testimony at the meeting.  To keep those slots open for testimony from a broad range of organizations, submit your statement to the Metro Councilors via email (see below) and bring a hardcopy to the meeting to submit in person.

getmoving@oregonmetro.gov

Lynn.peterson@oregonmetro.gov

Bob.stacey@oregonmetro.gov

Sam.chase@oregonmetro.gov

Christine.lewis@oregonmetro.gov

Shirley.craddick@oregonmetro.gov

Craig.dirksen@oregonmetro.gov

Juancarlos.gonzalez@oregonmetro.gov

Sample email
“Addressing climate change in the face of growing regional population and congestion requires that we reduce the length and distance of trips taken by car. To do so, we must have a transit system, supported by protected bikeways and a complete and safe walking network. Metro’s package includes projects that widen roadway capacity for autos, which always leads to increase levels of driving. The package also includes some transit projects and some bike projects and some improvements to sidewalks and pedestrian crossings across the Metro region (Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties).  
To truly make a dent in our climate emissions, we must spend the billions of dollars being ask for by this bond measure ONLY on a big bold vision for the region, a vision that will significantly improve non-auto access for all of the region’s residents. A resilient transportation network that generates ridership, improves safety, and provides equitable access to all of the social and economic benefits this region has to offer. The transit system should:
  • Build integrated regional networks of bus and rail transit, in dedicated lanes, linking neighborhood centers, commercial centers, and job centers.
  • Build integrated regional networks of protected bikeways connecting to centers and neighborhoods
  • Build safe, connected pedestrians access to stations, beginning with the most transit dependent areas of the region.
Essentially, we are asking that Metro stop its progress toward approving the recommendations that have been issued and generate a proposal that it can prove will substantially reduce transportation-related carbon emissions within five years of bond passage.”

Why is this funding package so important?

Over 40% (and rising) of the region’s climate emissions come from the transportation sector.  This is a critical time–and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity–to turn the rising tide of emissions and shape a transportation future that divests from reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure.

We urge you to contact every Metro Councilor (email addresses above) to share your thoughts on the importance of a bold transit-focused vision for the future of the Portland region. The projects and programs put forward by Metro Council must be a visionary rejection of climate change, of transportation inequality, and the mortal dangers posed by drivers to every user of the region’s roadways.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity must effect a significant region-wide mode shift to transit.

This measure should be shaping a transportation system that meets the challenges of climate change with a comprehensive and systemic solution.  With modeling of an ‘aspirational’ transit system, and analysis of the benefits, we take the crucial first step toward a resilient transportation network that generates ridership, improves safety, and provides equitable access to all of the social and economic benefits this region has to offer. The transit system should:

  • Build integrated regional networks of bus and rail transit, in dedicated lanes, linking neighborhood centers, commercial centers, and job centers.
  • Build integrated regional networks of protected bikeways connecting to centers and neighborhoods
  • Build safe, connected pedestrians access to stations, beginning with the most transit dependent areas of the region.

With questions or requests for assistance, email Jessie at jessielucidamaran@gmail.com

Thank you for all you do,

Jessie Maran and Jesse Lopez, 350PDX Transportation Justice Team Co-Leads

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