The Oregon Transportation Commission approved $161 million to be distributed to 18 state transit providers in financing from the Oregon Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF).
The funding will be applied toward projects that will expand hours of service, purchase new low- and no-emission buses, construct new shelters and establish more routes among other community transit improvements.
“This is an exciting time for us to be putting these funds into play,” said Commission Chair Tammy Baney. “It’s life-changing.”
STIF was established through HB 2017, which was signed into law in August 2017 and provides a dedicated source of transportation funding for the state through a payroll deduction of $1 for every $1,000 earned. HB 2017, known as Keep Oregon Moving, is expected to generate between $75 million and $85 million per year and 2019 is the first year funding has been distributed.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) explains that the funds will help expand transit services in communities around the state to better serve all Oregonians with an emphasis on increasing frequency, reducing fares for low-income communities, purchasing low- or no-emission buses in urban areas and improving connections between cities.
ODOT says the approved plans are cumulatively anticipated to provide the following service improvements through the end of the 2019-2021 biennium:
- 207 million new transit trips.
- 33 million new miles of service by buses.
- 1 million low income households will be within ½ mile of a transit stop.
- 50 new low or no emission buses.
- 104,000 new transit trips for high school students.
- 1,450 units of equipment, such as security cameras, bus shelters and bus charging infrastructure.
“This is a long time coming,” said Commissioner Julie Brown, who serves as general manager of the Rogue Valley Transit District. “I remember we used the phrase, ‘Be bold or go home.’ Today really hits home hard to see how the future of public transportation is moving forward.”
The list of the 18 recipients and details of their approved plans are available on the STIF website. The remaining 24 transit providers serving Oregonians are expected to submit applications by May 1 for up to an additional $65.7 million in STIF Formula funds. The commission plans to take action on this second round of STIF Formula fund applications in October 2019.
