Oregon’s population is growing faster than the national average, increasing demands on the transportation system. Most U.S. cities with a population of 500,000 or more are considered a “prisoner of congestion”, and Portland is no different. An increase in congestion and traffic bottlenecks will weaken the state’s competitiveness and economic vitality, including negatively affecting productivity and commerce. A study concluded that easing congestion by 2025 would benefit the state’s economy by $1.7 billion a year in travel time savings. In addition, peak hour congestion contributes to 25 million metric tons of greenhouse gases dumped into the atmosphere every day*. Congestion increases the costs of goods for people and businesses across the nation, propagates employee stress and hinders workplace productivity.

• 73 percent of Portland-area residents drive alone
• Commuters on average waste 38 hours each year in rush hour traffic
• The average household spends 18% of their household income on transportation, that’s more than on health care, education or food!!
• Commuting alone to and from work releases 5.5 metric tons of CO2 a year
• The average employee spends $266 a month on vehicle expenses
• The average American generates 20 tons of CO2 each year; world average is 4 tons
• One gallon of gas emits 20 pounds of CO2
• Climate models suggest the entire Arctic ice cap will be completely melted by 2030!!