Transportation fund has made improvements in Oregon, report says

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Oregon’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) has made a positive impact in Oregon, according to the first Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund Report.

The report was recently delivered to the state’s legislature.

STIF is part of Keep Oregon Moving and is funded through a 0.1 percent payroll tax. The aim is for public transportation to relieve congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve mobility, and provide Oregonians access to jobs and public services.

The report lists STIF success stories including 3 million hours of new bus service, 38 million new transit passenger rides, approximately 500,000 new rides provided to students in grades 9-12, 300 miles of transit service gaps filled statewide, and 329 new buses; including 103 new low- or no-emission buses.

The success stories are estimates of accomplishments that should be completed by mid-2021.

“In 2016, the Joint Interim Committee on Transportation Modernization and Preservation traveled the state to learn about and discuss transportation gaps, services and issues,” the report said. “Among the key themes heard was a strong need for the state to invest in public transportation as part of a balanced package that addresses all transportation modes.”

STIF has allocated $173.9 million to improve transit service for low-income households.