City Council Newsletter - 09/20/07

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Across the country, traffic congestion is creating a $78 billion annual drain on the U.S. economy in the form of 4.2 billion lost hours and 2.9 billion gallons of wasted fuel, TTI’s 2007 Urban Mobility Report found. The report, which is based on 2005 data, concluded that traffic congestion is worsening in all of the 437 urban areas studied. Not surprisingly, the Los Angeles area ranked number 1 in traffic congestion, with the average LA driver stuck in traffic for a whopping 72 hours a year and wasting 57 gallons of fuel a year. By contrast, the nd Eugene-Springfield area ranked 72 in the report, with the typical Eugene-area motorist spending an average of 14 hours a year and losing 8 gallons of fuel due to congested traffic. The Salem area had a rd very similar ranking. Portland, the third metro area studied in Oregon, ranked 33 for annual delay per traveler. Traffic congestion has increased over time in this area. During peak travel hours, the average local driver in 1982 lost about 6 hours a year due to congestion. That figure increased slightly to 7 hours in 1995 before doubling to 14 hours in 2005. Overall, traffic delays in this area in 2005 amounted to more than 1.7 million lost hours and more than 1 million gallons of wasted fuel. TTI calculated the economic impact of congestion in the Eugene area in 2005 at $32 million. Despite the growing problem of congestion, the Eugene area fared better than average for urban areas with populations less than 500,000. For example, the 14 hours a year spent stuck in traffic in this area compares to a national average of 17 hours in similar-size communities, while the total estimated annual cost of congestion in the Eugene area at $32 million is significantly less than the $56 million average for small American cities. Among the factors that help relieve congestion in this area: extensive on- and off-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities that actively encourage walking and biking as alternatives to driving a single- occupancy vehicle, a well-developed mass transit system, mixed-use (nodal) development designed to decrease the number of vehicle miles traveled per capita, and ongoing efforts to improve the existing transportation system. For more information, contact Gary McNeel, Public Works transportation analyst, at 682-8451. New Banners Salute Hult 25 Celebrations In celebration of Hult 25, new banners will be hung at the Hult Center turnouts on 6th and 7th Avenues just prior to the big Celebrating Hult 25 weekend, on Friday, September 28. A total of 20 banners, featuring two attractive designs with the Celebrating Hult 25 theme will add to the festive look of the building. Special lighting features will illuminate the interior and exterior. The bright banners will be installed on the light poles and will be displayed for the duration of the Hult 25 season, through May 2008. At that time, they will be replaced with Eugene 08 banners, which are currently in production. It is expected that the Eugene 08 banners will be displayed through the middle of July 2008. For further information, please contact Laura Niles, 682-2697. Portable Assisted Listening System Available Through Adaptive Recreation The Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is now making a truly portable Tour Guide Assisted Listening System available to City staff. The FM system allows people who are hearing impaired or deaf to hear, using their own hearing aides or special headphones. Unlike the FM systems installed in designated meeting rooms around the City, however, the portable system doesn't require a sound system to function. Presenters, speakers, or program leaders simply speak into a battery powered transmitter and microphone attached to a belt clip. As many as eight receivers can be used simultaneously to hear the signal in areas without an installed assisted listening system, or even out of doors, in places such as parks, trails, and vehicles. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 September 20, 2007