When I first moved to Portland, I was a naïve California boy with a gas-guzzling van. After a few jousts with parking tickets, traffic jams, and gas prices, I began to seek alternatives to what I previously thought was the common sense way to get from A to B. What I found was an incredibly bike-friendly city, and a sophisticated public transportation system that completely challenged my beliefs and attitudes towards getting around.
The transportation infrastructure in Portland is organized by a system called TriMet, a three-pronged approach to public transportation that involves a bus system, light rail and streetcar. City planners worldwide hail Portland for this innovative and sustainable approach to transportation, taking the emphasis off the automobile and highway system, and instead implementing a more environmental and pedestrian-friendly city.
Because this public transit is so popular in Portland, the bus system is not associated with poverty and crime, as it is in many other big cities. Not only is it completely safe, but it provides a unique social atmosphere where all walks of life interact on their daily commutes. The bus drivers are relaxed and chatty, sometimes even young and trendy (this is Portland, don’t forget) and the bus is always clean and warm. For a $2.50 fare, you can navigate the bus system to just about any location in town.
When running errands, commuting, or just exploring, hop on the light rail car, somewhat of a new age trolley, that glides around the city almost completely silent. The cars come every few minutes and service every nook and cranny of downtown. If you need to get out of downtown and across the river, over to the airport, or out to the suburbs, hitch a ride on the MAX, a larger streetcar that moves quickly and accesses the far corners of the county. MAX is safe, clean, and functions like the Bay Area’s BART, only more user friendly.
Oftentimes, I’ve found the simplest and easiest way to get around this city is by bicycle. Portland is renowned for its bike-friendly planning, with many streets designated as bike routes, wide and extensive bike lanes, bike parking, and countless bike shops creating a strong cyclist culture. The drivers are respectful and usually conscious of sharing the road, because many of them are bike commuters themselves. But, with the large amount of bicyclists comes a large amount of bike theft. Be careful! Always lock your bike and never leave it exposed if you are not watching. My bike was stolen from my front yard during the day!
California trained me to think that having my own automobile was the best way to get around. Of course, in many cities this is true, but here in Portland, I’ve realized that a high quality public transit can be even better. TriMet has allowed me to travel to all areas of the city quicker, cheaper, and with less stress. I have been exposed to neighborhoods I would have never seen via highway, and met strangers I’d otherwise ignore on the road. My newfound love for this style of transportation has led me to question other norms and staples of city planning. I suppose that’s just what this place does to you!
