Drive less = save a billion?

The Oregonian today is highlighting a new study saying Portland area residents save 100 hours and billion dollars by driving less. Does this study factor in Portland’s nationally high traffic congestion? With higher gas prices could this be higher? Are volunteer efforts, high density and bike programs finally paying real cash into people’s pockets?

On a similiar note, The Democrat Herald made this crticism of where our transportation dollars are being spent:
– $250 million for Portland/Milwaukie lightrail
– $20 million to develop streetcars
– That is $270 million not going to $800 million of road maintenance