TREC research addresses complex transportation problems by drawing on multiple disciplines, including engineering, planning, economics and design, from across the Portland State University campus. Use the search box at right to search for a specific project.

Research Highlights

Human Wayfinding

Amy Parker
The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District Of Oregon (TriMet) is in need of specialized support to improve and promote effective resources in human wayfinding and navigation at its transit centers. Areas of need include, but are not limited to: 1. Tactile Maps: Providing tactile spatial information accessible to people who are blind or low vision. 2. Written descriptions of stations and routes: information needed by people who are blind or low vision, to allow independent… Read More

Exploring the positive utility of travel and mode choice

Patrick Singleton
Traditionally, travel is considered a disutility to be minimized, and travel demand is derived from activity demand. Recently, scholars have questioned these axioms, noting that some people may like to travel, use travel time productively, find other benefits in traveling, or travel for non-utilitarian reasons. These are instances of “the positive utility of travel” (PUT). In this dissertation, I conceptually and empirically investigate PUT, its determinants, and its impacts on travel behavior… Read More