TriMet’s Division Transit Project, a bus rapid transit (BRT) project that also incorporates pedestrian and bicycle enhancements, secured $87.4 million through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program.
"This $87.4 million federal investment will provide residents along the Division Street Corridor better access to jobs, educational opportunities and other services," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
This is the third transit project in the Pacific Northwest to secure CIG grants this week following Spokane Transit Authority and Sound Transit. TriMet’s CIG grant will cover half of the Division Transit Project’s $174.85 million cost.
The 15-mile BRT line will provide faster, more reliable transit service between downtown Portland, Southeast and East Portland and Gresham. TriMet estimates travel times will improve by as much as 20 percent.
The project will include 42 stations, longer buses with room for 60 percent more riders, multiple door boarding for briefer stops, expanded bus stations with amenities such as weather protection and transit signal priority.
WSP USA was awarded a contract in 2017 to design the project and Connectpoint’s LED signage will be installed as part of a five-year digital signage contract.
The alignment serves several major destinations including Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus and Worker Retraining Center, the Oregon Health & Sciences University and Portland State University, with a connection to Mt. Hood Community College. Service is estimated to start in the second half of 2022.
"FTA is proud to join our partners in Oregon to improve public transportation in Portland," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "The Division Transit Project will provide fast and efficient service, improving mobility and access to convenient transit service, particularly for the many students who live along the corridor."
TriMet General Manager Doug Kelsey thanked the administration and Oregon's congressional delegation for supporting transit investments that connect residents to opportunities.
"With the federal funding now secured, TriMet can begin construction with our partners, the cities of Portland and Gresham, on this new type of service to move people faster and more efficiently," said Kelsey.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
