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Public Transit Division

About Us
Long Range Vision
 
ODOT, through the Public Transit Division, will provide the leadership to develop a unified vision for transportation planning and investment in the state of Oregon. To increase access to alternative transportation by engaging communities at a grass root level in the future of transportation, the division will:
 
  • Support mobility and choice for the Elderly and Disabled population
  • Connect transportation services throughout the state
  • Ensure equity and coordination in funding and services to all communities
  • Encourage better transportation choices for the environment
  • Provide leadership, tools and solutions for better access
  • Provide effective and efficient stewardship of state and federal funds
  • Provide targeted and effective education and technical assistance

 

Mission Statement


We support mobility options for Oregonians through advocacy, collaborative partnerships, and grant programs.  These transportation choices help create social equity, access to jobs and critical needs, connectivity, and a robust state economy. They also reduce our carbon footprint, increase energy independence, and help create a sustainable future. 

 

Division Administrator
 
Hal Gard is the Rail and Public Transit Division Administrator.
 
As Rail Division Administrator, Hal Gard oversees a division responsible for rail safety, crossing safety, and operations of passenger and freight rail service in Oregon. In addition, upon the retirement of Michael Ward in May of this year, Hal was asked to oversee the Public Transit Division. The Public Transit Division is responsible for providing public transportation and transportation options technical assistance and grant administration to over 200 public transportation providers, agencies and communities.
 
Hal recently managed the Geo-Environmental Section within ODOT's Technical Services Branch and served as the agency's tribal liaison for regulatory issues. Hal began his ODOT career in 1994 when he was hired as the department's first archaeologist. After developing and managing that program for eight years, he joined the newly-formed Bridge Delivery Unit to work on new environmental streamlining opportunities presented by the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III.
 
In 2011, Hal received the Hewes Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to highway development, from the Western Association of State Highway Transportation Officials. In presenting the award, WASHTO noted his considerable individual efforts in improving environmental performance in Oregon's transportation projects and programs.
 
A Registered Professional Archaeologist, Hal holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California in Anthropology and a Master’s Degree in the co-fields of Archaeology, Fish and Wildlife, and Geo-science from Oregon State University.

 

Organization


Annual Performance Measures

Public Transit Division provides grants, policy leadership and technical assistance to communities and local transportation providers to provide transportation to people. The division also develops and encourages the use of transit, ridesharing, telecommuting, alternative work schedules, walking, bicycling and other alternatives to driving alone. 
 
As part of administering federal and state transit funds, the Public Transit Division (PTD) works with the Public Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC) and the Oregon Transportation Commission on significant transit issues.  Inside this section, you can find more information about PTD.

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