Research: Portland Transit-Oriented Developments Reduce Car Trips
a day ago
- #sustainable transportation
- #affordable housing
- #transit-oriented development
- Transit-oriented developments (TODs) in Portland generate fewer car trips than standard estimates, especially with affordable housing.
- A 2024 survey of TOD residents in eight Oregon cities found significant reductions in car use.
- Key findings include TOD residents driving half as much as predicted, with affordable housing sites seeing even lower rates.
- Sustainable travel habits: less than half of trips by car, high transit (28%) and walking (19%) usage.
- 50% of residents at affordable housing sites don’t own a car, relying more on transit, walking, and biking.
- 20% of TOD residents have given up or considered giving up a car due to walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods.
- Affordable housing residents prioritize cost and transit access, while market-rate residents focus on amenities and parking.
- Study suggests expanding reduced-fare passes and better integrating affordable TODs with light rail to boost transit use.