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, -0520, -0620, -0720, and -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.

Using a qualitative approach, the criteria are not weighted. Instead, the ratings will be used to inform discussions about the benefits and trade-offs of each alternative. Using a quantitative approach (a point-based technical rating system where scoring depends on how well proposed projects meet the criteria), 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.

TSP Guideline Step	Goals and Objectives, and Evaluation Criteria
Definition	Goals: Describe what the community is trying to achieve through implementation of the TSP. Objectives: Describe specific outcomes the agency would like to achieve. Use evaluation criteria to compare alternatives and select and prioritize projects.
Scope Phase	Plan to integrate the goals, objectives, and evaluation criteria throughout the TSP update process to the extent possible.
Prepare Phase, Step 2: Goals, Objectives, and Performance Tracking	Consider existing plans and policies when updating the goals and objectives for the TSP and developing evaluation criteria.
Prepare Phase, Step 3: Existing Conditions & Prepare Phase, Step 4: Future Conditions	Consider the goals, objectives, and evaluation criteria when evaluating existing and future conditions
Prepare Phase, Step 5: Solution Development & Evaluation	Consider the goals, objectives and evaluation criteria to identify preferred solutions.
Prepare Phase, Step 6: Funding Program	Prioritize projects based on how well they meet the goals, objectives, and evaluation criteria.
Prepare Phase, Step 7: TSP Documentation	Document the goals, objectives, and evaluation criteria in the TSP – the goals and objectives may also be used to update transportation policies.
Adopt Phase	Adopt the goals, objectives, and evaluation as part of the TSP update.
Implement Phase (Monitoring)	Cities and counties in non-metropolitan areas are not required to monitor progress toward meetings goals and objectives.

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

Prioritization Framework for Metropolitan Areas

The TPR provides a framework for decision-making regarding the selection of transportation facilities and services that impacts the types of solutions that are applied systemwide and in different areas. It then provides guidance on how to prioritize projects by mode.

One approach is considering the prioritization factors in OAR-660-012-0155 during the solution development phase of the TSP. Then, apply the mode-specific prioritization factors from OAR-660-012-0520, -0620, -0720, and -0820 to prioritize the projects in each modal plan. Next, develop the unconstrained project list by combining the mode specific prioritized lists and prioritizing projects that reduce vehicle miles traveled, reduce burdens on underserved populations, and help achieve the OAR-660-012-0910 performance targets per OAR-660-012-0170.

Note: Jurisdictions are not required to implement projects in the prioritized order; however, cities and counties in metropolitan areas, Metro, and the state may only develop, fund, and construct projects on the financially constrained project list unless the project is required as a condition of land development, a property owner is providing financial or material contributions to the project, and the project would not be subject to the enhanced review process (OAR-660-012-0830).

Download an accessible, tagged PDF of the Prioritization Framework.

Step 1: Solution Development Phase

OAR 660-012-0155 requires cities and counties within metropolitan areas, Metro, and state agencies to consider facility classifications, planned land use context, expected primary users, local values per OAR-660-012-0120, and the following factors a 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, region, 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 OAR-660-012-0130. The mode specific prioritization factors shall also be consistent with the applicable OAR-660-012-0155 factors for each mode. These shall be used to develop a prioritized list of projects for each mode.

Pedestrian System Prioritization Factors: OAR 660-012-0520

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 660-044 greenhouse gas reduction targets

Bicycle System Prioritization Factors: OAR 660-012-0620

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 660-044 greenhouse gas reduction targets

Transit System Prioritization Factors: OAR 660-012-0720

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 660-044 greenhouse gas reduction targets

Street and Highway System Prioritization Factors: OAR 660-012-0820

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 660-044 greenhouse gas reduction targets or help meet the targets per rule OAR 660-012-0910

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 VMT
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 OAR 660-012-0910 performance targets

Step 4: Financially Constrained Project List

OAR 660-012-0180 requires cities and counties to include a financially constrained project list in their TSP that is consistent with projected funding per OAR 660-012-0115 and includes the top available projects from the unconstrained project list (see the previous Step 3). This list may include projects that add up to no more than 125% of the projected available funding. The project list and funding shall include projects and funding identified in the plans of partner jurisdictions and transit service providers and may include programmatic funds for programs, such as transportation options, safety, safe routes to school, complete streets, etc. The resulting financially constrained project list must:

Burden underserved populations less than the city or county population as a whole and benefit underserved populations as much as or more than the city or county population as a whole
Make significant progress toward meeting the OAR 660-012-0910 performance targets
Reduce VMT per capita per OAR 660-012-0160 if the list includes capacity expanding projects that require enhanced review per OAR 660-012-0830

If the list of projects cannot meet these criteria, the city or county must adjust the project list to the highest-ranking set of projects that can meet the criteria.

Resources

Implementation Tip: Scoring Examples
Sample Evaluation Matrix

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