Metro's build-a-system tool tied for runner-up in the Transportation Research Board's Communicating with John and Jane Public competition. The national competition recognizes innovative methods of communicating technical transportation issues and concepts to the public. Metro transit project analysis manager Tony Mendoza and Brandy Steffen from CH2MHill accepted the award at the board's annual meeting, held Jan. 10 to 14, 2010.
"It is great to be recognized at this level," Mendoza said. "We felt that the tool was successful in reaching out to residents of the metro region, but it's also great to have the transportation industry recognize that we took a big step forward in how we asked the public's thoughts on a really complex issue. Beyond the award, we had folks from all over the country, really from all over the world, coming to speak to us because they had heard about the build-a-system tool."
The tool was created for residents to get involved in the development of the Regional High Capacity Transit System Plan, which will guide investments in light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit and rapid streetcar in the Portland metropolitan area. The build-a-system tool allows users to compare potential high capacity transit corridors, propose expansions to the region's system and learn about the benefits and trade-offs of their proposals. During plan development, the tool was coupled with a questionnaire that asked about the values and priorities that guided system building decisions.
Transportation Research Board is one of six major divisions of the National Research Council and promotes innovation and progress in transportation. The annual meeting covered all transportation modes, with more than 3,000 presentations in nearly 600 sessions for policymakers, administrators, practitioners, researchers and representatives of government, industry and academic institutions.