(March 6, 2023) Thanks to Rose Lanes, several Portland bus lines and Streetcars are now faster. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has completed 26 Rose Lane projects so far since 2019. These projects prioritize transit lines that pass over four Willamette River bridges and help people get where they’re going more reliably.
We’re rolling out the red carpet for you
As traffic increases back to pre-pandemic levels, PBOT invites commuters to ride transit downtown or else bike, walk, or roll as part of PBOT’s Ride Every Wednesday campaign. People who travel by transit, bike, or as a pedestrian on Wednesdays in March and April can win prizes, enjoy free coffee, and a $50 Kuto credit for shopping at small businesses. PBOT will host pop-ups every Wednesday where commuters can redeem these benefits. Get more information by texting WEDNESDAY to 888-520-0526, or by visiting the Ride Every Wednesday website here.
Taking transit has never been easier
This campaign also celebrates the 26 Rose Lane projects completed so far. This includes the creation of bus-only lanes, business access and transit lanes (sometimes referred to as “bus and turn” lanes or BAT lanes for short), better transit signals, and other improvements. TriMet predicts that the average commuter on one of four bus lines going across the Steel Bridge will save about 25 hours per year. As people search for ways to commute that are better for the planet, PBOT and TriMet are committed to making transit the easiest option.
In 2022, PBOT and TriMet also rolled out new transit safety programs. Portland Streetcar’s Rider Ambassador program and TriMet’s Safety Action Team work in teams to help riders have a safe and pleasant riding experience. These programs center our most vulnerable community members and provide support and resources.
“I’m excited to see more Portlanders choose a commute option that saves them money and reduces our city’s carbon footprint,” said Transportation Commissioner Mingus Mapps. “As many downtown workers return to in-person work, my hope is that they can experience how convenient and affordable it is to commute by transit, biking, walking or rolling in the central city.”
Between Rose Lanes, TriMet’s new real-time Transit Tracker, and the ability to pay with a simple tap of a credit/debit card, Portlanders are already riding transit with much less hassle. Ride Every Wednesday is the red carpet we’re rolling out to get you started.
Join us this Wednesday morning in Portland’s living room
Join PBOT at our next pop-up this Wednesday, March 8 at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 7:30 - 10 a.m. Enjoy fresh coffee and live music compliments of Portland Mall Management and The Square. To learn more visit our March 8 event page here.
This campaign is possible through partnership with Here for Portland and their Every Wednesday campaign. Visit the Here for Portland website to learn more about this and other exciting events.
###
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility.www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation