The Community Cycling Center in Portland is working to identify and reduce barriers to bicycling for communities of color and low-income people in North and Northeast Portland. South Metro Area Transit in Wilsonville encourages transit use through a transit outreach program. TriMet assists employers with transit pass programs that encourage commuters to use available transit options.
A total of 12 projects were funded in the current Regional Travel Options grant program and a new grant solicitation will be announced later in 2010. The projects, run by local organizations, provide alternatives to car travel and support people trying to limit greenhouse gases and other environmental impacts that result from driving.
In the interest of making the most of public money, Metro carefully monitors RTO-funded programs for results by dollar invested. "We consider a cost of 5 cents for every vehicle mile reduced as a good investment," said Dan Kaempff, travel options program manager. "The TriMet program costs only 1 cent for every mile reduced. That's a heck of a good return."
Metro Council approval of RTO work plans and budget enables this program to be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program and remain eligible for continued funding.