Step 2: Goals, Objectives & Performance Tracking

Evaluation Criteria

Developing evaluation criteria is part of the goal-setting phase of a TSP process. TSP goals and objectives are the basis for the evaluation framework, which jurisdictions use to assess and compare the suitability of transportation system alternatives and to prioritize projects, programs, policies, pilot projects, and/or refinement studies to address the community’s identified transportation needs. Evaluation criteria may be somewhat general and subjective, like goal statements or objectives, or they may be more specific and quantitative in anticipation of evaluating the performance of different transportation system solutions. For metropolitan areas, the evaluation criteria must incorporate the prioritization factors included in OAR 660-012-0155, OAR 660-012-0520, OAR 660-012-0620, OAR 660-012-0720, and OAR 660-012-0820 as discussed further below.

The TSP Guidelines provide a Sample Evaluation Matrix with examples of evaluation criteria that correspond with the Sample Goals and Objectives. Also included is draft introduction language explaining the evaluation process and the mechanics of project selection and prioritization. The Sample Evaluation Matrix lists example evaluation criteria; depending on the method selected, jurisdictions can develop and apply different scoring approaches (e.g., Consumers Report style; +1/0/-1; +4/+2/0/-2/-4).

Using a qualitative approach, the criteria will not be weighted. Instead, the ratings will be used to inform discussions about the benefits and tradeoffs of each alternative. Using a quantitative approach (a point-based technical rating system where scoring depends on how well proposed projects meet the criteria), the criteria can be weighted (if desired) and the evaluation score can be summed to compare alternatives. In either approach, there may be quantitative evaluation criteria (such as volume-to-capacity ratio, bicycle level-of-traffic stress, predicted crash rate, or percentage of completed sidewalks). In these cases, a jurisdiction can assess how a project is helping the agency achieve or move toward desired performance levels.

When to use Evaluation Criteria Throughout a TSP Update

The following table highlights when goals, objectives, and evaluation criteria are integrated into the TSP update process.

For information on when performance measures and evaluation criteria are used in metropolitan areas TSPs, see Performance-Based Approach to TSP Metrics.

Prioritization Framework for Metropolitan Areas

The TPR provides a framework for decision making reguarding the prioritization of transportation facilities and services that impacts the types of solutions that are prioritized systemwide and in different areas. It then provides guidance on how to prioritize projects by mode and across all modes. An approach is to start by considering the prioritization factors in rule 0155 during the solution development phase of the TSP. Then apply the mode-specific prioritization factors from rules 0520, 0620, 0720 and 0820 to prioritize the projects in each modal plan. Then develop the unconstrained project list by combining the mode specific prioritized lists and prioritizing projects that reduce vehicle miles traveled, reduces burdens on underserved populations, and that will help achieve the rule 0910 performance targets per rule 0170. 

Download an accessible, tagged PDF of the Prioritization Framework.

Step 1: Solution Development Phase

OAR 660-012-0155 requires cities, counties, Metro and state agencies to consider facility classifications, planned land use context, expected primary users, local values per rule 0120, and the following prioritization factors and area-specific prioritization factors when prioritizing transportation facilities and services. 

Prioritization Factors (OAR 660-012-0155(3))

• Meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets
• Improving equitable outcomes for underserved populations
• Improving safety, particularly reducing or eliminating fatal and serious injuries
• Improving access for people with disabilities
• Improving access to key destinations
• Completing the multimodal transportation network (filling gaps, making connections)
• Supporting the economies of the community, regional, and state
• Other local factors

Area Specific Prioritization Factors (OAR 660-012-0155(5,6)) 

• Within climate-friendly areas
•  Agencies shall prioritize pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation facilities and services and ensure planned facilities are safe, low stress, and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities.
• In areas with concentrations of underserved populations
• Agencies shall prioritize projects addressing historic and current marginalization and work to rectify previous harms and prevent future harms from occurring.
• In industrial areas, along routes accessing key freight terminals, and other areas where accommodations for freight are needed
• Agencies must consider the needs of freight users. Pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation system connections must be provided in industrial areas at a level that provides safe access for workers.
• In areas near schools or areas with expected concentrations of children, older people, or people with disabilities
•  Agencies must prioritize safe, protected, and continuous pedestrian and bicycle networks connecting to key destinations, including transit stops. 

Step 2: Mode Specific Prioritized Projects

OAR 660-012-0520, -0620, -0720, and -0820 provide mode specific prioritization factors and guidance for prioritizing projects within each modal plan. Cities and counties shall engage underserved populations when refining the mode specific prioritization factors per rule 0130. The mode specific prioritization factors shall also be consistent with the applicable rule 0155 factors applicable to each mode. These shall be used to develop a prioritized list of projects for each mode.

Pedestrian System Prioritization Factors (-0520)

When prioritizing pedestrian system projects systemwide, higher prioritization shall be given to projects that:

• Are located in climate-friendly areas
• Are located in areas with concentrations of underserved populations
• Are located in areas with safety risk factors such as roadways with high speeds and high traffic volumes
• Are located in areas with reported crashes involving serious injuries and deaths to people walking and/or people riding bicycles
• Provide access to key destinations identified as provided in OAR 660-012-0360
• Connect to, fill gaps in, and expand the existing system networks
• Implement, where applicable, the adopted regional scenario plan developed to address OAR chapter 660, division 44 greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Bicycle System Prioritization Factors (-0620)

When prioritizing bicycle system projects systemwide, higher prioritization shall be given to projects that:

• Are located in climate-friendly areas
• Are located in areas with concentrations of underserved populations
• Are located in areas with safety risk factors such as roadways with high speeds and high traffic volumes
• Are located in areas with reported crashes involving serious injuries and deaths to people walking and/or people riding bicycles
• Provide access to key destinations identified as provided in OAR 660-012-0360
• Connect to, fill gaps in, and expand the existing system networks
• Implement, where applicable, the adopted regional scenario plan developed to address OAR chapter 660, division 44 greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Transit System Prioritization Factors (-0720)

When prioritizing transit system projects, higher prioritization shall be given to projects that:

• Are located in climate-friendly areas
• Are located in areas with concentrations of underserved populations
• Provide access to key destinations identified as provided in OAR 660-012-0360
• Connect to, fill gaps in, or expand the existing public transportation network
• Implement, where applicable, the adopted regional scenario plan developed to address OAR chapter 660, division 44 greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Street and Highway System Prioritization Factors (-0820)

When prioritizing street and highway system projects, higher prioritization shall be given to projects that:

• Reallocate right-of-way from facilities dedicated to moving motor vehicles to those for use by the pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation systems, particularly in climate friendly areas, areas with concentrations of underserved populations, and areas with reported crashes involving serious injuries and deaths.
• Fill gaps in the existing street network
• Implement, where applicable, the adopted regional scenario plan developed to address OAR chapter 660, division 44 greenhouse gas reduction targets or help meet the targets per rule 0910.

Step 3: Unconstrained Project List

OAR 660-012-0170 requires cities and counties to develop a method for prioritizing projects on the unconstrained project list. Projects can be ranked individually or in tiers from the mode specific prioritized project lists. Cities and counties must emphasize the following requirements when developing a method of prioritizing projects on the unconstrained project list:

• The project will help reduce vehicle miles traveled.
• The project burdens underserved populations less than and benefits underserved populations as much as the city or county population as a whole.
• The project will help achieve the rule 0910 performance targets.
  
  

Resources

Implementation Tip: Scoring Examples
Sample Evaluation Matrix