McMahon led Phase I of the Transit Stop Access Project, initiated by the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS), the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG), and the PACTS Transit Committee (PTC), to improve the accessibility of bus stops region-wide. Phase I included identifying high priority bus stops for accessibility improvements; defining amenities for, and possible locations of new regional transit mini-hubs, highlighting potential bicycle and pedestrian accommodations to improve mobility to stops; and developing recommendations for a project management structure for Phase III (construction) of the project.

 

Accessibility issues at bus stops region-wide were identified through an extensive data collection effort. We completed accessibility audits at 200 bus stops (served by four fixed-route transit providers) using McMahon’s mobile GIS-based software Traisr® to create a profile of each stop. Criteria to rank/weight stops to identify high-priority bus stops was developed through a stakeholder engagement process. Accessibility challenges, proximity to transit-generated land uses, ridership and equity were considered to prioritize the stop list. A similar set of criteria was used to prioritize transit mini-hubs. Based on survey responses regarding pedestrian and bicycle improvements, we developed a menu of options to address these issues regionally. The resulting bus stop prioritization and recommendations will guide design and construction of the project.