PORTLAND, OREGON, A CASE STUDY PRESENTED AT THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

The nature and purpose of many decisions, programs, and projects acted on in the city of Portland and in the Portland region before the final regulations conserving TSM were set forth, were consistent with the objectives and rationale of the TSM program. Because of this and because of the relatively high level of success on TSM efforts in Portland, the Portland experience provides a perspective on the early application of the TSM approach. More specifically, the TSM experience in Portland offers some useful insights on the relation between broad policies and TSM strategies and projects, considerations that should be addressed in the implementation of individual TSM projects, and apparent problems that must be confronted if TSM is to play an effective role in regional transportation planning and implementation process. TSM projects undertaken include the efficient use of road space, vehicle reduction in congested areas, and actions to improve transit service. It is noted that the public acceptance of TSM projects, flexibility of projects after completion, the simultaneous development of several projects, and a strong transportation policy direction are prerequisites to the eventual success of TSM.