TREC research addresses complex transportation problems by drawing on multiple disciplines, including engineering, planning, economics and design, from across the Portland State University campus. Use the search box at right to search for a specific project.

Research Highlights

Evaluation of Bus-Bicycle and Bus/Right-Turn Traffic Delays and Conflicts

Miguel Andres Figliozzi
The interaction between transit vehicles and bicycles can create conflict when both share the same space. In particular, the location of transit stops poses specific challenges along bicycle facilities. Little research exists to offer insight on how the placement of transit stops affect bicycle safety and comfort levels or how bicycle flow affects transit operations (stop dwell times, delays, etc.). This project builds on existing UTC-funded work using high-resolution bus GPS data to analyze… Read More

Reducing VMT, Encouraging Walk Trips, and Facilitating Efficient Trip Chains through Polycentric Development

Reid Ewing
A "polycentric" region is a network of compact developments (centers) that are connected with each other through high-quality transportation options. As the antidote to sprawling suburbs, compact centers can encourage all the things that sprawl discourages: public health, environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and economic diversity. But how can metropolitan planning organizations ensure that their regional plans will actually meet these goals? Polycentric development has been… Read More