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

E-bike Lending Libraries Synthesis

John MacArthur
Despite the practical and sustainable mobility benefits of e-bikes, personal ownership and maintenance are considered barriers to adoption (Fitch et al., 2022). Lending e-bikes may address some of the challenges of shared micromobility programs, such as ease of access and payment, but comprehensive evaluations to date have focused on specialized systems, including a research project loaning e-bikes in Norway (Fyhri et al., 2017), and another available only to Google employees (Fitch et al.,… Read More

Applying an Equity Lens to Automated Payment Solutions for Public Transportation

Aaron Golub Anne Brown , Candace Brakewood , John MacArthur
Our multi-year study on automated transit fare collection offers a key finding that won't surprise you: Despite the convenience, the rush toward cashless fare systems has created barriers for lower-income riders seeking to use transit. Results from focus groups, surveys, and a review of current transit agency practices suggest that continuing to accept cash is a crucial way to keep transit accessible. However, dealing with cash has drawbacks: it’s time intensive and expensive. Using a detailed… Read More