Even natural attractions outside of urban areas have parking shortages and congestion problems.
Jamie Hale reports on a pilot project in Oregon that will hopefully to address the congestion and parking shortages on the Columbia Gorge near Multnomah Falls. Driving to Multnomah Falls, writes Hale, "has long been a pain in northwest travelers' necks, who on busy weekends can be found duking it out for a parking spot at the most popular destination in Oregon."
As a solution, the Oregon Department of Transportation and the U.S. Forest Service have launched a new bus service that will connect Portland with the Columbia River Gorge including Multnomah Falls.
"The bus service will be a two-year pilot program, attempting to alleviate some of the congestion at Multnomah Falls which often backs up onto the left lane of Interstate 84," reports Hale. "The parking lot at the falls closed 181 times due to overcrowding over the last 22 months, according to the department. Of those, 129 closures came on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays." The Columbia River Gorge Express, as the shuttle bus is called, began service on Friday, may 27, 2016.
FULL STORY: New bus service links Portland to Multnomah Falls, aimed at reducing congestion
Oregon DOT's Columbia River Gorge Bus Service a Smashing Success
The first season of a two-year pilot project for the Columbia Gorge Express has been a huge hit.
Oregon Youth Activists Protest Highway Expansion
A group of young climate activists are demanding an end to traffic-inducing road expansion projects and a renewed commitment to sustainable, transit-oriented transportation.
Study: Wider Highways Won't Reduce Congestion
Widening highways won't reduce congestion—that's the conclusion of a report paid for by the state agency proposing several highway widening projects in Oregon.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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