When 'Bus Rapid Transit' Slows Buses, Portland Goes Back to the Drawing Board

Michael Andersen reports on the evolving Powell-Division Transit and Development Project, recently revealed to fall short of its intended goal to speed up bus service in the planning area.

1 minute read

March 22, 2016, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Portland Transit

TFoxFoto / Shutterstock

"A $200 million project to improve bus service and change zoning through Southeast Portland and Gresham is in limbo after project managers realized that it wouldn’t actually make it faster to ride the bus," reports Michael Andersen.

Powell-Division Transit and Development Project will now be up for revisions by the regional transit agency Metro. A January article by Andersen argued that the proposal's lack of a dedicated bus lane on 82nd Avenue meant "the proposed 'bus rapid transit' would actually travel more slowly there in 2035 than the #72 bus does today."

Andersen reports that some of the impetus for sending the project back to the drawing board is a desire to qualify for matching grants from the federal Small Starts program. Andersen also describes in detail each of the six alternative options that Metro will consider for the project as a result of this change of direction.

Friday, March 18, 2016 in Bike Portland

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog