We live in a time and place where movement matters. For those who depend on public transportation, being able to access the bus or rail service is critical to ensuring positive economic and health outcomes. Great public transportation is the backbone of great cities, improving public health through active living and linking communities to economic opportunities. In the Portland metropolitan region, a world-class bus service is the key to equitable, sustainable community revitalization.
OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon has engaged more than 500 transit-dependent riders this year who overwhelmingly seek improved bus service. Major concerns are accessibility, safety and reliability, particularly for those families who depend on the bus day in and day out to help meet basic needs, and for elderly and limited-mobility riders who have no other way of getting around. We strongly support Measure 26-119, a modest bond measure that will fund essential capital investments to improve the accessibility, safety and reliability of our bus service. From bus stop improvements across the region to smart investments in cleaner and accessible buses, approval of 26-119 will increase the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of our regional transit service.
Voting for Measure 26-119 is a vote for social, economic and environmental justice. As our population rapidly ages, this bond will meet the long-range needs of our most vulnerable communities, whose numbers are swelling. As we strive for economic recovery and improve neighborhood health, better transit equals better choices and access to jobs and opportunity. Residents of this region have shown a commitment to making sustainable investments, such as the expiring bond this measure would replace.
We all benefit when we have accessible and reliable public transportation. Vote yes on 26-119 and continue to invest in our region’s excellence.
