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First and Last Mile project

The easier it is to access public transit, the more likely people are to use it. Getting from their front door to the nearest transit stop and/or from transit to their final destination can be challenging, however. The Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation’s First and Last Mile (FLM) project is developing strategies to make transit a safe, accessible, and viable travel option for all who live, work and visit Washington County.

The FLM project will result in recommendations for implementing 1) infrastructure investments to provide safer, faster, and more comfortable access to transit; and 2) opportunities to support and integrate innovative mobility options that are coordinated and flexible. Specifically this project advances Washington County’s Transportation System Plan (TSP) objectives, which seek to improve access to and encourage the enhancement of transit service in Washington County. This will be accomplished by:

• Understanding the implications (costs/risks and benefits/opportunities) of new mobility technology such as shuttle services, microtransit (like the old Cedar Mill Shuttle), ridesharing, carsharing, bikesharing (including electric bikes and scooters), ridesourcing, and mobility hubs;
• Recommending amendments to the TSP, Road Design Standards and other policy documents for the County to consider (e.g. major transit stops, curb space treatments, parking and loading, etc.).
• Identifying priority locations to implement first and last mile transit access projects, programs and partnerships, including:

  • Bicycle and pedestrian improvements;
  • Key policy considerations to improve transit access especially in relation to emerging on-demand transportation options, Inter-regional and rural transit connectivity.
  • Identifying priority projects to position Washington County for future funding opportunities.

Recommendations will open for comment once the draft report is ready for public review. An online open house and two workshops for major employers, transportation providers and the public will be scheduled.

Transit is a critical component of Washington County’s transportation system, reducing automobile trips, congestion, emissions and individual transportation costs. To achieve regional long-term climate and transportation goals, transit utilization will need to triple over the next twenty years.

Addressing barriers to accessing transit is critical to improving transit ridership. Disconnected sidewalks, long distances between signalized crossings, limited illumination and/or bike facilities that are substandard can create challenges for those navigating to and from transit stops and stations.

The project team is supported by a technical advisory committee (TAC) comprised of representatives from cities, TriMet, South Metro Area Regional Transit, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Oregon Department of Transportation, Metro, Ride Connection, and Westside Transportation Alliance.

To comment on the project, visit the website. For project updates, subscribe to LUT’s First and Last Mile e-newsletter, linked from the web page.

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