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![]() The Transportation Planning Process: Key Issues A Briefing Book for Transportation Decisionmakers, Officials, and Staff Printer-friendly version (PDF) A Publication of the Transportation Planning Federal Highway Administration Federal Transit Administration Updated September 2007 |
NOTICE This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The United States Government assumes no liability for its contents or use thereof. The United States Government does not endorse products of manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturer’s names appear herein only because they are considered essential to the objective of this document. TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION Transportation helps shape an area’s economic health and quality of life. Not only does the transportation system provide for the mobility of people and goods, it also influences patterns of growth and economic activity by providing access to land. The performance of the system affects public policy concerns like air quality, environmental resource consumption, social equity, land use, urban growth, economic development, safety, and security. Transportation planning recognizes the critical links between transportation and other societal goals. The planning process is more than merely listing highway and transit capital projects. It requires developing strategies for operating, managing, maintaining, and financing the area’s transportation system in such a way as to advance the area’s long-term goals. This book provides government officials, transportation decisionmakers,
planning board members, and transportation service providers with an overview
of transportation planning. It contains a basic understanding of key concepts in
statewide and metropolitan transportation planning, along with references for
additional information. Part I discusses transportation planning and its
relationship to decisionmaking. This section is general, and provides a broad
introduction to the planning process. Part II presents short descriptions
of important policy and planning topics. This section includes more technical
information than Part I, but is not intended to provide details of each policy
issue. This report is available electronically on the Transportation Planning
Capacity Building website at www.planning.dot.gov and is updated periodically to
include additional topics or information.
This book has been updated to reflect changes in legislation that affect statewide and metropolitan transportation planning requirements. It is an informational publication that replaces its predecessor, the 2004 “The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process: Key Issues, A Briefing Notebook for Transportation Decisionmakers, Officials, and Staff” (Publication FHWA-EP-03-041 5/04). For additional information about any of the topics discussed in this book, contact your local Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) division or Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regional office. For information on how to reach FHWA or FTA staff, visit the FHWA and FTA websites at www.fhwa.dot.gov and www.fta.dot.gov, or the Transportation Planning Capacity Building website at www.planning.dot.gov. |
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![]() ![]() A Metropolitan
Planning Area may
include the urbanized area
(UA), areas expected to
become urbanized within the
next 20 years, and additional
areas determined by political
boundaries (e.g., a county) or
geographic boundaries (e.g.,
an air basin).
![]() Urbanized Area (UA):
an area that contains a city of
50,000 or more in population
plus the incorporated surrounding
areas meeting size
or density criteria as defined
by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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PART I: OVERVIEW OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING Transportation planning plays a fundamental role in the state, region or community’s vision for its future. It includes a comprehensive consideration of possible strategies; an evaluation process that encompasses diverse viewpoints; the collaborative participation of relevant transportation-related agencies and organizations; and open, timely, and meaningful public involvement. What is the transportation planning process? Transportation planning is a cooperative process designed to foster involvement by all users of the system, such as the business community, community groups, environmental organizations, the traveling public, freight operators, and the general public, through a proactive public participation process conducted by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), state Department of Transportation (state DOT), and transit operators. Figure 1 illustrates the transportation planning process. Transportation planning includes a number of steps:
Figure 1: The transportation planning process What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization and what are its typical functions? A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a transportation policy-making body made up of representatives from local government and transportation agencies with authority and responsibility in metropolitan planning areas. Federal legislation passed in the early 1970s required the formation of an MPO for any urbanized area (UA) with a population greater than 50,000. MPOs were created in order to ensure that existing and future expenditures for transportation projects and programs were based on a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3-C) planning process. Federal funding for transportation projects and programs is channeled through the MPO. Note that some MPOs are found within agencies such as Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs), Councils of Governments (COGs), and others. There are five core functions of an MPO: Establish a setting: Establish and manage a fair and impartial setting for effective regional decisionmaking in the metropolitan area. Identify and evaluate alternative transportation improvement options: Use data and planning methods to generate and evaluate alternatives. Planning studies and evaluations are included in the Unified Planning Work Program or UPWP. Prepare and maintain a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP): Develop and update a long-range transportation plan for the metropolitan area covering a planning horizon of at least twenty years that fosters (1) mobility and access for people and goods, (2) efficient system performance and preservation, and (3) good quality of life. Develop a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): Develop a short-range (four-year) program of transportation improvements based on the long-range transportation plan; the TIP should be designed to achieve the area's goals, using spending, regulating, operating, management, and financial tools. Involve the public: Involve the general public and other affected constituencies in the four essential functions listed above. In accordance with federal regulations, the MPO is required to carry out metropolitan transportation planning in cooperation with the state and with operators of publicly owned transit services. The MPO approves the metropolitan transportation plan. Both the governor and the MPO approve the TIP. Most MPOs will not take the lead in implementing transportation projects, but will provide an overall coordination role in planning and programming funds for projects and operations. The MPO must involve local transportation providers in the planning process by including transit agencies, state and local highway departments, airport authorities, maritime operators, rail-freight operators, Amtrak, port operators, private providers of public transportation, and others within the MPO region. From an organizational perspective, there is no required structure for an MPO; serving as a decisionmaking policy body, an MPO may be composed of:
MPO staff assists the MPO board by preparing documents, fostering interagency coordination, facilitating public input and feedback, and managing the planning process. The MPO staff may also provide committees with technical assessments and evaluations of proposed transportation initiatives. The MPO staff may also engage consultants to generate needed data. A technical advisory committee may then provide recommendations to the board on specific strategies or projects. An advisory committee may also provide technical analysis, specialized knowledge, and citizen input on specific issues. It is common for an MPO to have a Technical Advisory Committee and Citizen Advisory Committee, and to have subcommittees on specific issues such as environmental justice, bicycle issues, or travel demand modeling. |
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Air Quality Nonattainment
Area (NAA):
A geographic region of the
United States that the EPA
has designated as not
meeting the air quality
standards.
![]() Air Quality
Maintenance Area:
A geographic region of the
United States previously
designated nonattainment
pursuant to the CAAAmendments
of 1990 and subsequently
redesignated to
attainment subject to the
requirement to develop a
maintenance plan under
section 175A of the CAA,
as amended.
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Those involved in metropolitan transportation planning should reach out to stakeholders to inform them of critical issues facing their regions and provide them with opportunities to contribute ideas and offer input. This is especially important in the early and middle stages of the process, while the plan and the TIP are being developed. Special attention should be paid to those groups that are underrepresented or have been underserved in terms of the expenditure of transportation dollars (see Part II section on Title VI/Environmental Justice). What are other responsibilities for some MPOs? A metropolitan area's designation as an air quality nonattainment area (NAA) or maintenance area creates additional requirements for transportation planning. Transportation plans, programs, and projects must conform to the state’s air quality plan, known as the State Implementation Plan (SIP). In nonattainment or maintenance areas for air quality, the MPO is responsible for coordinating transportation and air quality planning. Areas with populations greater than 200,000 are designated transportation management areas (TMAs). TMAs must have a congestion management process (CMP) that identifies actions and strategies to reduce congestion and increase mobility (see Part II section on CMP). In addition, TMAs have the ability to select Surface Transportation Program (STP) funded projects in consultation with the state; in other MPOs and rural areas the STP projects are selected by the state in cooperation with the MPO or local government. In addition to meeting federal mandates, MPOs often have extra responsibilities under state law. For example, California’s MPOs are responsible for allocating some non-federal transportation funds in their regions, while other states give MPOs a shared role in growth management and land use planning. What is a state DOT and what are its typical functions? Each of the U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have an agency or department with official transportation planning, programming, and project implementation responsibility for that state or territory, referred to as the state DOT. In addition to transportation planning responsibilities, these agencies may have responsibility for the design, construction, operation, or maintenance of state facilities for multiple modes of transportation (including air, water, and surface transportation). State departments of transportation also work cooperatively with tolling authorities, ports, local agencies, and special districts that own, operate, or maintain different portions of the transportation network, or individual facilities. Primary transportation planning functions of the state DOT: Prepare and Maintain a Long-Range Statewide Transportation Plan: Develop and update a long-range transportation plan for the state. Plans vary from state to state and may be broad and policy-oriented, or may contain a specific list of projects. Develop a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP): Develop a program of transportation projects based on the state’s long-range transportation plan and designed to serve the state’s goals, using spending, regulating, operating, management, and financial tools. For metropolitan areas, the STIP incorporates the TIP developed by the MPO. Involve the public: Involve the general public and all of the other affected constituencies in the essential functions listed above. What are the relationships among the MPO, the state DOT, and other agencies involved in transportation planning and project implementation? Transportation planning must be cooperative because no single agency has responsibility for the entire transportation system. For example, some roads that are part of the Interstate Highway System (IHS) are subject to certain standards and are usually maintained by a state DOT. Others are county arterials or city streets which are designed, operated, and maintained by counties or local municipalities. Transit systems are often built, operated, and maintained by a separate entity. In metropolitan areas, the MPO is responsible for actively seeking the participation of all relevant agencies and stakeholders in the planning process; similarly, the state DOT is responsible for activities outside metropolitan areas. The MPO and state DOT also work together. For example, a state DOT staff person may sit on the MPO board. The state DOT follows special requirements to document its process for consulting with officials from local governments located outside the metropolitan area. This process is separate and distinct from the broad public involvement process and must be documented separately. It provides an opportunity for local officials to participate in the development of the long-range statewide transportation plan and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
What are key documents produced by the metropolitan and statewide planning processes? As illustrated in Figure 2, there are five key documents produced by the transportation planning process: |
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Figure 2: Key planning products
The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP): The UPWP lists the transportation studies and tasks to be performed by the MPO staff or a member agency. Because the UPWP reflects local issues and strategic priorities, the contents of UPWPs differ from one metropolitan area to another. The UPWP covers a one- to two-year period. It typically contains several elements:
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Rural Transportation:
Information and resources
for rural transportation policymakers,
planners, and stakeholders
is available from
the National Association of
Development Organizations
(NADO) and the NADO
Research Foundation at
www.ruraltransportation.org.
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The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) or Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP): In metropolitan areas, the transportation plan is the statement of the ways the region plans to invest in the transportation system. Per the federal regulations, the plan shall "include both long-range and short-range program strategies/actions that lead to the development of an integrated intermodal transportation system that facilitates the efficient movement of people and goods." The plan addresses, for example:
The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the long-range statewide transportation plan must be consistent with each other. The MTP must be updated every five years in air quality attainment areas or every four years in nonattainment or maintenance areas. MPOs should make special efforts to engage interested parties in the development of the plan. Finally, in cases where a metropolitan area is designated as a nonattainment or maintenance area, the plan must conform to the SIP for air quality (see Part II section on Air Quality). Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): In the TIP, the MPO identifies the transportation projects and strategies from the MTP that it plans to undertake over the next four years. All projects receiving federal funding must be in the TIP. The TIP is the region’s way of allocating its limited transportation resources among the various capital and operating needs of the area, based on a clear set of short-term transportation priorities. Under federal law, the TIP:
The State Planning and Research (SPR) Program is similar to the UPWP in that it lists the transportation studies, research and tasks to be performed by the state DOT staff or its consultants. The SPR Program contains several elements:
The Long-Range Statewide Transportation Plan: State DOTs must develop a longrange statewide transportation plan. These vary from state to state; they may be policy-oriented or may include a list of specific projects. The statewide plan also addresses:
Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP): The STIP is similar to the TIP in that it identifies statewide priorities for transportation projects and must be fiscally constrained. Through an established process, the state DOT solicits or identifies projects from rural, small urban, and urbanized areas of the state. Projects are selected for inclusion in the STIP based on adopted procedures and criteria. As noted above, TIPs that have been developed by MPOs must be incorporated directly, without change, into the STIP. Under federal law and regulation, the STIP:
How is federal transportation funding provided to states and metropolitan areas? The funding for transportation plans and projects comes from a variety of sources including the federal government, state governments, special authorities, public or private tolls, local assessment districts, local government general fund contributions (such as local property and sales taxes) and impact fees. However, federal funding—transferred to the state and later distributed to metropolitan areas—is typically the primary funding source for major plans and projects. (See appendix for a description of important federally aided transportation programs.) Federal transportation funding is made available through the Federal Highway Trust Fund and is supplemented by general funds. It is important to remember that most FHWA sources of funding are administered by the state DOTs. The state DOT then allocates the money to urban and rural areas based on state and local priorities and needs. Most transit funds for urban areas are sent directly from the FTA to the transit operator. Transit funds for rural areas are administered by the state DOT. Federal funds are made available through a specific process:
How is federal funding used? There are many federal-aid transportation programs that support transportation activities in states and metropolitan areas, each having different requirements and program characteristics. These programs are not "cash up front" programs; rather, eligible expenditures are reimbursed. That is, even though the authorized amounts are "distributed" to the states, no cash is actually disbursed at this point. Instead, states are notified that they have federal funds available for their use. Projects are approved and work is started; then the federal government reimburses the states, MPOs, and transit operators for costs as they are incurred, reimbursing up to the limit of the federal share. The federal government holds funding recipients accountable for complying with all applicable federal laws. When local governments directly oversee a federally funded project, the state DOTs are responsible for monitoring local governments’ compliance with federal laws. What are flexible funds? One important provision in federal transportation legislation allows for the use of certain federal-aid highway program and federal transit program funds for either highway or transit projects. This is referred to as flexible funding. "Flexible funding" provisions were a radical departure from traditional transportation policy; federal transit, highway, and safety programs formerly had very strict eligibility requirements, and funds could not be transferred between the programs. The ability to transfer funds (with certain restrictions) between highway and transit programs was introduced so metropolitan areas could apply federal transportation funds to their highest priority transportation projects. The funds are not actually transferred from one bank account to another; rather, FHWA and FTA confirm program-eligible expenditures and reimburse accordingly. In urbanized areas (UAs) with populations greater than 200,000, MPOs are responsible for considering “flexing” funds to meet local planning priorities. In areas with populations less than 200,000, flexible funding decisions are made jointly by the MPO and the state DOT, and the state DOT makes the flexible funding decisions in rural areas. Flexible funding is most commonly used for FHWA’s Surface Transportation Program (STP) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program, and FTA’s Urbanized Area Formula Funds, though flexing in other programs is possible. |
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PART II: MAJOR POLICY AND PLANNING ISSUES Although the transportation planning process is concerned primarily with the issues facing a particular metropolitan area or state, there are many issues common to all parts of the country. This section addresses these common transportation topics, and provides details on several important issues facing MPOs and states engaged in transportation planning. Each section provides a basic understanding of the topic, discusses the role of the MPO and state DOT as appropriate, answers questions about how the topic is addressed in the transportation planning process, and provides resources for additional information. Air Quality
What is the relationship between transportation and air quality? Usage of the transportation system is an influential factor in a region’s air quality. Therefore, the estimated emission of pollutants from motor vehicles is a key consideration in transportation planning. Regions that have nonattainment or maintenance air quality status are required to ensure that emissions from transportation investments are consistent, or in conformity with, levels set forth in state air quality plans. Therefore, state DOTs and MPOs need to have a clear understanding of the air quality-related transportation planning requirements. What are the major sources of pollution? The air quality of an area is affected by the emission of pollutants and their interaction with sunlight, topography, and weather patterns. Pollutants are emitted by motor vehicle operation and a variety of other activities, including manufacturing, use of petroleum-based products like gasoline, and even small business activities such as dry cleaning. Sources of air pollutant emissions can be classified as stationary, area, or mobile sources, as shown in Figure 3. Stationary sources include relatively large, fixed facilities such as power plants, chemical process industries, and petroleum refineries. Figure 3: All sources of pollution can be looked at for ways to reduce emissions and improve air quality The key transportation-related pollutants are ozone and its precursors hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxides (CO), and particulates (PM-10 or PM-2.5, particles that are smaller than 10 micros or 2.5 micron, respectively). These pollutants emanate in part from on-road mobile sources and cannot exceed certain specified levels in a given region. The Clean Air Act (CAA), Title 23 and Title 49 U.S.C. requires that transportation and air quality planning be integrated in areas designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as air quality nonattainment or maintenance areas. In fact, in nonattainment and maintenance areas, federal funding and approval for transportation projects is only available if transportation activities are consistent with air quality goals through the transportation conformity process. The transportation conformity process includes a number of requirements that MPOs must meet (see section below on transportation conformity). The CAA requires that each state environmental agency develop a plan called a State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP shows how the state will implement measures designed to improve air quality enough to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for each type of air pollutant, according to the schedules included in the CAA. Pollutants are usually measured in parts per million (PPM) of ambient air, and standards vary by type of pollutant. For each source category (stationary, area, or mobile), the SIP assigns emission reduction targets of the pollutant. For on-road mobile sources, the emission reduction target is further refined into a motor vehicle emissions "budget"—emissions limits for motor vehicle emissions sources. Vehicle emissions reductions programs (e.g., the use of reformulated gasoline or implementation of Inspection and Maintenance [I/M] programs), changing how we travel (e.g., ride sharing or use of transit), or transportation projects that reduce congestion (e.g., signal synchronization programs) can all help areas meet emission reduction targets for on-road mobile sources. MPOs should be actively involved with the state in setting the motor vehicle emissions budgets. Transportation officials need to educate themselves about the options and trade-offs available to them, so they can balance the need for transportation investment with the need to achieve healthful air. Motor vehicle emissions budgets can be revised. However, doing so requires revising the SIP, which can be a complicated and lengthy process. MPOs should participate in the SIP revision process if it is undertaken. |
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Inspection and
Maintenance Programs: State programs
that require vehicles to be
inspected and repaired to
comply with specific CleanAir
Act requirements.
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What is the role of the MPO in air quality planning? "Nonattainment" areas (NAA) are geographic areas that do not meet the federal air quality standards, and maintenance areas are areas that formerly violated but currently meet the federal air quality standards. If no violations of air quality standards have been found, the area is considered to be in compliance or attainment with federal air quality standards. An area can be designated "nonattainment" for one pollutant and in attainment for another. Transportation conformity is required for all ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter nonattainment and maintenance areas. The Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1990 identifies the actions states and MPOs must take to reduce emissions from on-road mobile sources in nonattainment and maintenance areas. The challenge for MPOs in nonattainment or maintenance areas is to decide on a mix of transit and highway investments that, combined with measures such as Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs or reformulated gasoline, will keep emissions within the allowable limits for emissions from motor vehicles. According to the CAA, transportation plans, TIPs, and projects cannot:
MPOs are encouraged to participate in air quality planning and to identify transportation strategies that will help reduce emissions from on-road mobile sources of pollution. Though not required, many MPOs have developed public education and communications campaigns about the connection between transportation and air quality and to encourage the public to make travel choices that will benefit air quality. What is transportation conformity and how does it relate to the NAAQS? The transportation conformity process, as illustrated in Figure 4, is a way to ensure that transportation plans and programs meet air quality goals in order to be eligible for federal funding and approval. Whenever a metropolitan transportation plan or TIP is amended or updated, the MPO must comply with the conformity requirements. Figure 4: Transportation conformity process |
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Transportation
Control Measures (TCMs): Transportation
strategies that affect traffic
patterns or reduce vehicle use
to reduce air pollutant
emissions. These may include
high-occupancy vehicle (HOV)
lanes, provision of bicycle
facilities, ridesharing,
telecommuting, etc. Such
actions may be included
in a SIP if needed to
demonstrate attainment of
the NAAQS.
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What is a conformity determination and who is responsible? Transportation conformity on transportation plans and TIPs is demonstrated when projected regional emissions for the plan and TIP do not exceed the region’s motor vehicle emissions budgets. A conformity determination is a finding by the MPO policy board, and subsequently by FHWA and FTA, that the transportation plan and TIP meet the conformity requirements. While the MPO is ultimately responsible for making sure a conformity determination is made, the conformity process depends on federal, state, and local transportation and air quality agencies working together to meet the transportation conformity requirements. If transportation control measures (TCMs) are included in an approved SIP, the MPO must provide an assurance that TCMs are being implemented on schedule each time it updates its plan and TIP conformity. Those TCMs must be programmed for timely implementation in the TIP. A necessary part of the transportation and air quality planning process is consulting with other involved agencies on critical issues and providing opportunities for public participation. MPOs must inform the public that they are going to make a conformity determination, make all relevant documents reasonably available, and give adequate time to review the documents and supporting materials. What plans, programs, and projects are subject to transportation conformity requirements? The MPO's long-range transportation plan and TIP must meet the conformity requirements. This includes all projects that are expected to be funded or that will require an approval by FHWA/FTA at any point during the life of the plan or TIP. Also, any regionally significant projects (as defined by the conformity rule), even those that are not federally funded or approved, must be included in the regional emissions analysis of the transportation plan and TIP. Regionally significant projects include, at a minimum, all principal arterial highways and all fixed-guideway transit facilities. Finally, certain projects in carbon monoxide and particulates nonattainment and maintenance areas must be assessed for expected localized concentrations ("hot spots") of carbon monoxide and particulates and for comparison to the natural ambient air quality standards. |
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Regionally Significant Projects: Regionally significant projects serve regional transportation needs such as access to and from the major activity centers in the region, and would normally be included in the modeling of a metropolitan area’s transportation network. These projects include, at a minimum, all principal arterial highways and all fixed-guideway transit facilities. |
How frequently must a transportation conformity determination be made and what happens if the MPO cannot make a conformity determination on time? A conformity determination must be made on the transportation plan and TIP at least once every four years. Each time the MPO updates or amends its transportation plan or its TIP (except for administrative modifications), a conformity determination is required. A conformity determination is also required not more than 24 months after a SIP or a SIP revision is approved or found adequate by EPA. What happens if the MPO cannot make a conformity determination on time? If an MPO cannot make a conformity determination according to applicable deadlines, it will have a grace period of 12 months after the deadline is missed before conformity will lapse. During the grace period transportation projects from the previously conforming plan and TIP may continue to be eligible for funding. However, no changes may be made to those documents without re-establishing conformity. If conformity has not been re-established after the 12 month grace period, the transportation conformity status for the area goes into "lapse." During a conformity lapse, FTA and FHWA funds can only be spent on exempt projects, such as safety projects and certain public transportation projects, TCMs from an approved SIP, and project phases that were authorized by FHWA and FTA prior to the lapse. What funding is available for air quality improvement programs and projects? Many types of federal-aid funding may be used to improve air quality. One type of funding, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement(CMAQ) program funds, are designated specifically for this purpose. Under the CMAQ program, state DOTs receive funding based on the severity of pollution and their population in ozone and carbon monoxide nonattainment or maintenance areas though all states receive some funding. State DOTs and MPOs can use CMAQ funds for transportation projects that reduce emissions in nonattainment and maintenance areas. |
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Conformity in Non-Metropolitan Areas A number of non-metropolitan areas also are being included in the urban area designation or being designated by themselves. Generally, MPOs and the state DOT work cooperatively on the regional emissions analysis in areas that are included in an urban area designation. Isolated rural areas often lack professional air quality and transportation planning staff and may rely on the expertise of SDOT staff in addressing conformity issues. |
What types of projects are funded by the CMAQ program? CMAQ programs fund transportation projects that reduce emissions of ozone precursors, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Many projects also help to reduce congestion, which is another key goal of the program. Typical projects include support for transit, traffic flow improvements (including high-occupancy vehicle [HOV] lanes, intelligent transportation systems [ITS], and signal timing), shared ride and carpooling services, and diesel engine retrofits. Who decides which projects receive CMAQ funding? Decisions must be coordinated through the MPO planning process, and are made collaboratively by the state DOT and MPO subject to federal eligibility guidelines. These guidelines are quite flexible, in order to promote innovation. Additional sources of information For basic information about transportation conformity, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/conform.htm For FHWA’s Transportation Conformity Reference Guide, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/conformity For a basic explanation of CMAQ, policy guidance, and brochures about the CMAQ program, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/cmaqpgs For consumer-oriented tips from the U.S. Department of Energy on energy efficiency and renewable energy, see www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROCESS (CMP) What is the CMP? The congestion management process (CMP) is a way of systematically considering congestion-related issues using a set of technical tools, and basing evaluations on a discrete set of locally determined performance measures. A CMP provides for the systematic review of performance of multimodal transportation systems in larger metropolitan areas and identification of strategies to address congestion through the use of "management" strategies focused on both the use and operation of facilities and services. What are the requirements for the CMP? A CMP is required in metropolitan areas with a population greater than 200,000, or Transportation Management Areas (TMAs), as well as in urbanized areas that have requested designation as a TMA. The CMP is intended to address congestion through a process that provides for effective management and operations (M&O), based on cooperatively developed travel demand reduction and operational management strategies. Even if a metropolitan area is not a TMA or in nonattainment status, the CMP represents good practice in monitoring, assessing, and resolving congestion issues in any MPO. The CMP establishes a rigorous method of identifying and evaluating transportation improvement strategies, including both operations and capital projects. How is the CMP valuable to the MPO? A well-designed CMP should help the MPO to:
Benefits of the CMP The congestion management process helps MPOs and partner agencies achieve regional operations performance objectives, and can deliver a number of collateral benefits as well. By addressing congestion through a comprehensive process, the CMP provides a framework for responding to congestion and other operational issues in a consistent, coordinated fashion. The CMP enables MPOs and their operating agency partners to measure performance, manage data, and analyze alternative strategies in a systematic manner. The CMP also enables MPOs to base congestion management strategies on defined objectives; this process allows regions to focus on the most congested areas and achieve maximum benefit by targeting their investments. How does Transportation Demand Management (TDM) relate to the CMP? Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is any action or set of actions designed to influence the intensity, timing, and distribution of transportation demand, in order to reduce traffic congestion or enhance mobility. Such actions can include offering commuters alternative transportation modes or services, providing incentives to travel on these modes or at non-congested hours, providing opportunities to link or “chain” trips together, and incorporating growth management or traffic impact policies into local development decisions. TDM strategies are part of the toolbox of actions available to transportation planners for solving transportation problems. As part of the congestion management process, TDM actions are among the strategies that can reduce congestion or enhance mobility. Additional sources of information: For more on the relationship between the congestion management process and planning, see http://plan4operations.dot.gov/docs/cs_relationship.pdf FINANCIAL PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING What are the sources of transportation funds? Transportation funds are generated from a number of sources, including income tax, sales tax, tolls, bonds, and state, local, and federal excise taxes on various fuels, state infrastructure banks (SIBs), and credit assistance sources. Each state decides which mix of funds is best suited to carry out particular projects. Federal funds are authorized by Congress for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which allocates funds into various programs before redirecting those funds to the states. Some primary examples of these programs include the Surface Transportation Program (STP) (which includes enhancement and safety funds), the Federal Lands Highway Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program. FTA oversees the allocation of federal transit funds, which generally fall into two major categories: capital grants for transit operators that are apportioned to areas by national formula, and transit capital investment grants that are awarded on a "discretionary" basis, as determined by DOT on the basis of a series of evaluation criteria. Each of these programs has specific eligibility requirements, although there is quite a bit of flexibility in legislation that allows funds to be shifted among some programs, or expands eligibility requirements (see Part I for more information). Federal legislation also provides formula funds to support planning studies and report preparation for the transportation planning process through FHWA’s State Planning and Research Funds (SPR) and Metropolitan Planning Funds (PL), and through FTA’s Section 5305. These planning funds generally make up a large portion of the state or MPO budget for conducting necessary studies and for developing transportation plans, STIPs, TIPs and other planning documents. What is financial planning? Financial planning takes a long-range look at how transportation investments are funded, and at the possible sources of funds. State DOTs, MPOs, and public transportation operators must consider funding needs over both the 20-year period of the long-range transportation plan and the 4-year period of TIPs and STIPs. In the LRSTP and the MTP, state DOTs may and MPOs must develop a financial plan that identifies funding sources for needed investments, and demonstrates the reasonably reliable means to maintain and operate the existing federally funded transportation system. What is financial programming? Financial programming is different from financial planning because programming involves identifying fund sources and implementation timing for specific projects in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which must cover a period of at least four years and be updated at least every four years. Programming also includes notifying FHWA and FTA of the sources of the funds that will likely be used to support each individual transportation project. |
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"Fiscal Contraint:
A demonstration of sufficient funds (federal, state, local, and private) to implement proposed transportation system improvements, as well as to operate and maintain the entire system, through the comparison of revenues and costs." Source: Overview Of Current Practices In Revenue
Forecasting And Cost Estimation For Transportation Plans And Programs.
Proposed Funding
Sources must be
"reasonably" expected to
be available. For example, if
voters approved a sales tax
increase three times in a
row, anticipated funding
from a future vote may
be reasonable.
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How does financial planning support preparation of transportation plans? The metropolitan transportation plan, which has a 20-year planning horizon, must include a financial plan that estimates how much funding will be needed to implement recommended improvements, as well as operate and maintain the system as a whole, over the life of the plan. This includes information on how the MPO reasonably expects to fund the projects included in the plan, including anticipated revenues from FHWA and FTA, state government, regional or local sources, the private sector, and user charges. The metropolitan transportation plan must demonstrate that there is a balance between the expected revenue sources for transportation investments and the estimated costs of the projects and programs described in the plan. In other words, a metropolitan plan must be fiscally (or financially) constrained. The long-range statewide plan, under federal requirements, may be a "strategic plan that may or may not contain a listing of recommended projects"; a financial plan is optional. The long-range statewide transportation plan may include some or all of the financial elements commonly found in a typical metropolitan transportation financial plan (as the state DOT finds appropriate or necessary.) It does not need to demonstrate fiscal constraint. How do state DOTs, MPOs, and public transportation operators know how much money is going to be available? Federal surface transportation legislation requires that the MPO, the state DOT, and the public transit agency cooperatively develop revenue forecasts. These forecasts help agencies determine how much funding is likely to be available for transportation projects in their respective areas. Forecasts are based on trends from existing and potential funding sources such as the gas tax or bond measures. A financial plan could assume that the amount of available federal funding will remain constant over the first five years of the plan, and then escalate at a rate equal to inflation or the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It could also assume that state gasoline taxes dedicated to transportation will be increased every five years by a certain amount based on past trends. Further, the transportation plan might assume a new revenue source, such as a local sales tax within an MPO region; in such a case, the MPO must demonstrate that there is reason to believe such a new source will be available, and should identify strategies it can use to help achieve that goal. Regardless of how financial assumptions and forecasts are developed, all forecasts in the financial plan must be shown in "year of expenditure" dollars based on reasonable inflation factors. In addition, the outer years of the financial plan may consist of ranges for both revenues and total project costs. As always, the high and low end of the ranges must be based on reasonable assumptions. |
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Amendments and Administrative Modifications: There are many factors that can require adjustments in transportation project schedules and budgets, such as changes in engineering practices, environmental issues, contracting issues, and project readiness. Thus, it is common to make revisions to the STIP or TIP; these revisions can include amendments or administrative modifications. If an MPO wants to amend a project in its TIP, this will also necessitate amendment of the STIP.A major revision is an "amendment," while a minor revision is an "administrative modification." Amendments require public review and comment, demonstration of fiscal constraint (except for long-range statewide transportation plans), and a conformity determination (for metropolitan transportation plans and TIPs in nonattainment and maintenance areas). Administrative modifications allow minor changes without such actions. |
How are funds programmed? Each state must submit a STIP to FHWA and FTA for review and approval at least every four years for review and approval. The STIP includes all the projects planned for implementation with the funds expected from FHWA and FTA for a four-year period, as well as all regionally significant projects which require action by FHWA or FTA or that are located in a nonattainment or maintenance area, regardless of the funding source. The STIP also includes each MPO’s TIP, and all of the projects included in the first four years of that TIP. Both the STIP and the TIP must be fiscally constrained. Programming a project for funding in the STIP
Additional sources of information: For a handy overview of the FHWA’s activities, including a guide to the agency’s programs, core business units, and service business units, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/programs.html For useful links and information about all of FTA's funding programs and activities, see www.fta.dot.gov/funding For a complete list of federally aided transportation programs, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/federalaid/projects.cfm For a complete list of FHWA discretionary programs, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/discretionary/proginfo.cfm For FHWA and FTA flexible funding guidance, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/flexfund.htm FREIGHT MOVEMENT What is the role of freight movement in transportation? The movement of freight is an important part of a fully functioning transportation system. The efficient movement of freight within and through a region is critically important to industry, retail, agriculture, international trade, and terminal operators. Metropolitan areas (especially ports), with their air cargo airports, intermodal freight yards, large trucking terminals, and shipyards, are especially affected by freight movement issues. Examples of intermodal freight projects include bridge replacements, road widening, port and rail access improvements, terminal facility enhancements, grade separations for highway and rail, and providing connections to air cargo and new infrastructure. What is the role of the MPO and the state DOT in freight transportation planning? The state DOT and the MPO are responsible for making sure that freight movement is considered in the transportation planning process. Federal legislation calls for the statewide and metropolitan planning processes to include reasonable opportunity for the public and interested parties, including specifically "freight shippers" and "providers of freight transportation services," to participate in the development of plans and programs. Many state DOTs and MPOs have systematically incorporated freight movement issues into their planning activities, for example by:
What funding is available for freight planning and project implementation? State DOTs and MPOs can use planning funds for freight planning, and can dedicate funds for specific project implementation. Funding of specific freight projects must meet federal eligibility requirements for the specific funding source used. Projects that provide improved access to terminals or ports can be included in the federally funded transportation improvement program. In those cases where freight investment projects can directly bring about reductions in pollutant emissions, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program funds can also be used to support those projects. What are some freight-transport tactics that transportation decisionmakers might consider?
Additional sources of information: For FHWA's guide to freight planning, including guidelines, case studies, and a manual, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/freightplanning For a guide to financing freight transportation improvements, see www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/freight_analysis/financing.htm LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION What is the relationship between land use and transportation? Transportation's purpose is moving people and goods from one place to another, but transportation systems also affect community character, the natural and human environment, and economic development patterns. A transportation system can improve the economy, shape development patterns, and influence quality of life and the natural environment. Land use and transportation are symbiotic: development density and location influence regional travel patterns, and, in turn, the degree of access provided by the transportation system can influence land use and development trends. Urban or community design can facilitate alternative travel modes. For example, a connected system of streets with higher residential densities and a mix of land uses can facilitate travel by foot, bicycle, and public transportation, in addition to automobile. Conversely, dispersed land development patterns may facilitate vehicular travel and reduce the viability of other travel modes. What is the role of the state DOT and the MPO in land use and transportation? The state DOT and MPO role and level of involvement in land use decisionmaking varies according to state and local legislation and policies. However, state DOTs and MPOs are responsible for consultation with state and local agencies responsible for land use management; comparing transportation planning efforts with land use plans, maps and inventories; and using current land use estimates and assumptions when updating planning products. The metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes are designed to promote consistency between transportation improvements and state and local planned growth and economic development patterns. What are the requirements for considering land use and economic development in the transportation planning process? Updates to long-range statewide and metropolitan transportation plans must be reviewed for validity and consistency with current and forecasted transportation and land use conditions and trends. The transportation plan updates should be based on the latest available estimates and assumptions for population, land use and development, travel, employment, congestion, and economic activity. And, to promote the highest level of consistency between land use and transportation plans, it is advisable for the planning staff responsible for that planning to hold meetings and share information on a continuing basis. Activities intended to stimulate economic development can affect the transportation network, and, in turn, the transportation network can affect economic development. Transportation decisionmakers can ensure the continued economic vitality of the region, state, and nation by appropriately planning for the many different uses of the transportation system, such as freight movement. Policymakers should ask what effects proposed investments would have on economic development and on future transportation needs:
What are some innovative approaches for better integrating land use and transportation? Increasing recognition of the importance of integrating land use and transportation has led to the development of new approaches in planning. Two of the many possibilities include context sensitive solutions (CSS) and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). What are context sensitive solutions (CSS)? CSS is an approach that considers the total context within which a transportation improvement project will exist. A CSS approach requires that transportation planning take a broad view and consider the interactions between transportation systems and facilities, and tailor them to local area human and natural environments. The goal is to develop solutions that are acceptable to a variety of parties, relevant to their needs and perspectives—consistent with the "context" of the setting. CSS is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders to develop a transportation facility that fits its physical setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility. What are Transit-Oriented Development and Joint Development? Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is defined as compact, mixed-use development near transit facilities and high-quality walking environments, typically leveraging transit infrastructure to promote economic development. By enhancing the attractiveness and serviceability of transportation alternatives, TOD boosts transit ridership and reduces traffic congestion, while creating a sense of community and place. Joint Development is a project-specific application of TOD, taking place on, above, or adjacent to transit agency property. It involves the common use of property for transit and non-transit, typically private sector commercial, purposes. Typical joint development arrangements are ground leases and operation-cost sharing, usually occurring at transit stations or terminals surrounded by a mix of office, commercial, and institutional land uses. To be eligible for federal funding, joint development projects must be related physically or functionally to public transportation, and must dedicate a fair share of the commercially derived revenue for public transportation. Both TOD and joint development projects may be planned, designed, and implemented by local government, transit operators, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and states. What is the role of the MPO in Transit-Oriented Development and joint development? All joint development and transit-oriented development projects with components involving federal funds must have those components approved by the MPO for inclusion in the metropolitan transportation plan and the fiscally constrained TIP and STIP. MPOs can play lead roles in developing and promoting transit-supportive land use policies, as well as disseminating information on these policies to the public and private sector. In addition, a growing number of MPOs have a TOD expert on staff and have policies and programs that support these projects. Additional sources of information: For FHWA's Planning Tools for Linking Land Use and Transportation, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/ppasg.htm "Transit-Oriented Development: State of the Practice, and Future Benefits; Transit-
Oriented Development in the United States: Experiences, Challenges, and Prospects"
provides a comprehensive assessment of the state of the practice and the benefits of
transit-oriented development (TOD) and joint development throughout the United
States. TCRP H-27 TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 102
see For FTA's overview of the TCRP study, "Transit-Oriented Development: State of the Practice, and Future Benefits; Transit-Oriented Development in the United States: Experiences, Challenges, and Prospects," see www.fta.dot.gov/planning/programs/planning_environment_6932.html For "lessons learned" and successful practices in Transit-oriented Development, see www.fta.dot.gov/documents/TOD_Lessons_Learned_12_21.pdf For information on how FTA grantees may use FTA financial assistance for joint development activities that incorporate private investment or enhance economic development, see www.fta.dot.gov/planning/programs/planning_environment_6935.html PERFORMANCE MEASURES What are performance measures? Performance measures demonstrate how well the transportation system is doing its job of meeting public goals and expectations of the transportation network. Some methods used to measure performance include tracking average speeds and crash rates. Many states and metropolitan areas monitor how close they are to achieving specific goals, such as accessibility to key regional population, employment, cultural, and recreational centers, the mobility of disadvantaged populations, levels of air quality, and the health of the economy, by using performance measures. Measuring performance is a way to gauge the impacts of the decisionmaking process on the transportation system. Performance measures aim to answer questions about whether the performance of the transportation system (or economy, air quality, etc.) is getting better or worse over time; and whether transportation investments are correlated or linked to stated goals and outcomes. Examples of performance measures include:
What is the role of the state DOT and MPO in defining and using performance measures? Through the statewide and metropolitan transportation planning process, the state DOT and the MPO, respectively, can each take a leadership role in creating performance measures that provide information critical to regional and local decisionmakers. This can begin through interaction with stakeholders and the public for the purpose of identifying vision(s) of the community for its future, followed by translation of those visions into goals and measurable objectives. Then, performance measures are developed to use in tracking progress toward attainment of those goals. Because performance measures strongly influence the goals and objectives of the planning process, their development and ongoing support can become part of ongoing planning activities. Development of transportation system performance measures should be coordinated with and informed by the public involvement program. Additional sources of information: For A Guidebook for Performance-Based Transportation Planning, NCHRP Report 446. Transportation Research Board: Washington, D.C., 2000 see www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=901 For Transportation Research Board's Conference Proceedings #36, Performance Measures to Improve Transportation Systems, 2004 see http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/conf/CP36.pdf For Transportation Research Board's Transportation Research Circular E-C073 - Performance Measure to Improve Transportation Planning Practice, 2005 see http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec073.pdf PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT LINKAGES Why link transportation planning to environmental processes? State and local agencies can achieve significant benefits by incorporating environmental and community values into transportation decisions early in planning and carrying these considerations through project development and delivery. Benefits include:
The first type concerns comparing transportation plans with natural and cultural resource information. For these comparisons, state DOTs and MPOs are to consult with state and local agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation, and historic preservation. In addition, state DOTs must consult with tribal agencies. Consultations are to consist of the following, as appropriate:
The second type of required consultation concerns mitigation activities. Federal law mandates that long-range transportation plans must include a discussion of types of potential environmental mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out these activities, including activities that may have the greatest potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions affected by the plan. This discussion is to be developed in consultation with federal, state, and tribal wildlife, land management, and regulatory agencies. Figure 5: Planning and environmental linkages in decisionmaking processes are depicted by the arrows showing the relationship between transportation planning and environment planning, as well as the relationship between systems planning and project level decisions.
How is NEPA related to the Transportation Planning Process? The NEPA process is designed to promote environmentally sound transportation decisions and cannot be used as a justification for decisions already made. Therefore, a coordinated approach between planning and project development contributes to the selection of transportation investments that reflect community needs, have benefited from an active public involvement process and are sensitive to the environment. The first stages of the NEPA process—development of project purpose and need—should build upon the transportation needs identified during planning and will be the basis for the final selection of an alternative for design and construction. Another direct link between NEPA and transportation planning is the requirement that a project be included in a conforming plan and TIP before it can be advanced; a major change in the project scope and design as it evolves during the NEPA process triggers a conformity and plan reassessment. In addition, other information gathered during the planning process can inform the project development studies required under NEPA. Data collection related to environmental features, analysis of projected transportation system usage, and attendant impacts on environmental quality can provide important information to the NEPA process. How are transportation planning studies integrated into environmental and NEPA analysis? FHWA and FTA must be able to stand behind the overall soundness and credibility of analysis conducted and decisions made during the transportation planning process if these decisions are incorporated into a NEPA document, directly or by reference. Transportation planning processes and their products are greatly improved when implemented through a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuous approach—the "3-C planning principles." The results of transportation studies or planning results should be: based on transportation planning factors established by federal law; reflected by a credible and clearly articulated planning rationale; founded in reliable data; and developed through planning processes that meet FHWA and FTA statutory and regulatory requirements. At a minimum, a robust scoping and early coordination process (which explains to federal and state environmental, regulatory, and resource agencies and the public the information and analysis used to develop the planning products, how the purpose and need was developed and refined, and how the design concept and scope were determined) plays a critical role in leading to informed transportation decisions by FHWA and FTA on the suitability of transportation planning information, analysis, documents, and decisions for use in the NEPA process. Planning analysis needs to be up-to-date and should adequately support improvements in statewide and/or metropolitan long-range plans. Results from the planning process must be documented in a form that can be appended to the NEPA document or incorporated by reference to materials that are readily available, and a clear connection between the decisions made in planning and those to be made during NEPA and project development must be explained to the public and other participants involved in scoping.
Additional sources of information: FFHWA’s website on Planning and Environment Linkages offers a wealth of information developed and compiled by the FHWA and its partners to assist in strengthening planning and environment linkages. See www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/integ/index.asp#benefits NEPA is dedicated to the open exchange of knowledge, information, and ideas concerning NEPA and other environmental issues. The site allows anyone interested in NEPA and related topics to contribute thoughts and ideas in an open forum. See http://nepa.fhwa.dot.gov/ReNepa/ReNepa.nsf/home The FHWA provides information on environmental streamlining — the term for a new cooperative approach to implementing transportation projects that brings together timely delivery and the protection and enhancement of the environment. It was first enacted into legislation for highway and transit projects with the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). See www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/strmlng The FTA provides links to laws, regulations, and guidance affecting environmental analysis and review of public transportation projects. See www.fta.dot.gov/planning/planning_environment_5222.html PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT What is the role of public involvement in developing transportation policies, programs, and projects? Public involvement is integral to good transportation planning. Without meaningful public participation, there is a risk of making poor decisions, or decisions that have unintended negative consequences. With it, it is possible to make a lasting contribution to an area's quality of life. Public involvement is more than an agency requirement and more than a means of fulfilling a statutory obligation. Meaningful public participation is central to good decisionmaking. The fundamental objective of public involvement programs is to ensure that the concerns and issues of everyone with a stake in transportation decisions are identified and addressed in the development of the policies, programs, and projects being proposed in their communities. |
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Paratransit: A variety of smaller, often flexibly scheduled and routed transportation services using low-capacity vehicles, such as vans, which operate within normal urban transit corridors or rural areas. These services usually serve the needs of people that standard mass transit services would serve with difficulty, or not at all. Often, the patrons include the elderly and people with disabilities. |
Who is the public? The public includes anyone who resides, has an interest in, or does business in a given area potentially affected by transportation decisions. This includes both individuals and organized groups. It is also important to provide opportunities for the participation of all private and public providers of transportation services, including, but not limited to, the trucking and rail freight industries, rail passenger industry, taxicab operators, and all transit and paratransit service operators. Finally, those persons traditionally underserved by existing transportation systems, such as low-income or minority households (see section on Title VI/Environmental Justice) and the elderly, should be encouraged to participate in the transportation decisionmaking process. Federal, state, and local agencies with an interest in transportation issues play a particularly important role in the development of transportation projects. Many of those agencies have a statutory responsibility to review environmental documents or issue permits for transportation projects. FHWA and FTA encourage MPOs and state DOTs to aggressively pursue improved communication and collaboration with these partners, beginning early in the transportation planning process, to identify and address their concerns. What is the role of the MPO in implementing public involvement processes? The MPO is responsible for actively involving all affected parties in an open, cooperative, and collaborative process that provides meaningful opportunities to influence transportation decisions. Transportation has a profound influence on the lives of people. Decisionmakers must consider fully the social, economic, and environmental consequences of their actions, and assure the public that transportation programs support adopted land use plans and community values. MPOs must develop and document, in consultation with interested parties, a participation plan that details strategies for incorporating visualization techniques, using electronic media, holding public meetings, and responding to public input, among other things. What is the role of the state Department of Transportation in the public participation process? Similar to the role of MPOs in metropolitan areas, the state must have a documented process for engaging the public with the transportation planning process outside of metropolitan areas. The state DOT also should coordinate with MPOs for state projects within metropolitan areas. What are the indicators of an effective public participation process? A well-informed public can contribute meaningful input to transportation decisions through a broad array of involvement opportunities at all stages of decisionmaking. Useful elements in planning for effective public involvement are:
Additional sources of information: The FHWA explores many transportation issues of great concern to the public, and provides more information to MPOs seeking guidance on involving the public. See www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/pubinv2.htm. Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision-making, FHWA and FTA, 1996, Publication No. FHWA-PD-96-031. The FTA funds innovative demonstration projects through its Public Transportation Participation Pilot (PTP) Program. See http://www.fta.dot.gov/planning/programs/planning_environment_5925.html For the Transportation Research Board’s Public Involvement Committee website, see www.trbpi.com For more TPCB Technical Public Involvement Resources, see www.planning.dot.gov/technical.asp#pub For TPCB Peer program reports on current practices and issues in public involvement, see www.planning.dot.gov/peer.asp#pi SAFETY What makes safety an important factor in transportation planning? Over the past three decades, transportation fatality rates have declined in relationship to system usage, due in large part to safer cars, tougher police enforcement, and increasing use of seat belts, air bags, and child safety seats. However, in many accident categories, the actual number of crashes has increased because more people are using the transportation system. In addition, there are large economic costs associated with crashes, incurred both by those involved and by other travelers affected by the traffic delay caused by crashes. Maintaining high performance in transportation safety requires seamless coordination of activities and funding among multiple partners and a transportation planning process that can coordinate and direct funding toward the highest safety priorities. What are the roles of the MPO and state DOT in transportation safety? Transportation planning takes safety considerations into account by identifying the most effective strategies for reducing crashes. This identification process may include analyzing crash data to determine the emphasis to be given to critical focus areas. Several types of focus areas have been identified, known as the 'four Es' of transportation safety: engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency services. The crash data might help identify which focus areas should receive funding priority for improving safety in the region. Crash data can also identify high-accident locations to be given high priority for improvements. Many MPOs also participate in safety campaigns that educate the public on good safety practices. Another key role of MPO and state DOT planners is to coordinate any planned safetyrelated transportation improvements with their safety partners, including those responsible for the state’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, the state Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, law enforcement agencies, and emergency service providers. Input from these partners can improve the safety elements of planning processes and ensure strong collaboration. Finally, many state DOTs and local transportation agencies have developed safety management systems that monitor accident locations in their jurisdictions over time. The MPO can participate in data collection for these systems or coordinate the development of a regional safety management system.
What are the planning requirements for incorporating safety into transportation planning? Improving the safety of the transportation system is one of the planning factors that federal legislation explicitly requires to be considered in the transportation planning process. Short- and long-range plans should have a safety element as part of the plan, and when projects and strategies are evaluated for possible inclusion in the metropolitan transportation plan and the TIP, safety should be a factor in their rating. Additional sources of information: The FHWA Office of Safety provides information on ways to improve safety on roadways. For more information, see http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov. For information from the FTA on safety and security of mass transit systems, see http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov The FHWA, FTA, the Transportation Research Board, and other organizations created this website on transportation safety planning. See http://tsp.trb.org For Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) annual statistical reports on crash statistics, see www.bts.gov For the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ discussion paper, "The Development of the Safer Transportation Network Planning Process," see www.ite.org The FHWA Office of Planning maintains a website on Transportation Safety Planning. See www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/SCP SECURITY What is transportation security? Transportation system security can be defined as the freedom from intentional harm and tampering that affects both motorized and nonmotorized travelers, and may also include natural disasters. Security goes beyond safety and includes the planning to prevent, manage, or respond to threats of a region and its transportation system and users. Why should states and MPOs consider security in the transportation planning process? Awareness of both man-made and natural security concerns has increased in recent years due to events like September 11, 2001 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The vulnerability of the transportation system and its use in emergency evacuations are issues receiving new attention. Transportation planners have been encouraged to focus on security interrelated issues and to initiate the consideration of security within their transportation planning and programming activities. What is the role of the state DOT and the MPO in transportation security? State DOTs and MPOs may be in a unique position to foster interagency coordination between the different modes of transportation, governmental agencies, groups focused on security, and others. State DOTs and regional transportation agencies have created homeland security plans for emergency evacuation, contingency measures, and communications interoperability. Additionally, state DOTs and MPOs can support programs and fund projects that enhance secure travel for all transportation system users. As the entities that plan and select projects for implementation, the state DOT and MPO can ensure that whatever criterion is used to select and advance projects in a particular region recognizes, highlights, and promotes projects that address transportation security. What are the planning requirements for considering security in transportation planning? Federal requirements include security as a factor to be considered in transportation planning processes at both the metropolitan and statewide levels, stating that the planning process should provide for consideration and implementation of projects, strategies, and services that will "increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users." How do you demonstrate consideration of security in the transportation planning process? Consideration of security in the planning process may be documented in key planning documents such as the UPWP, the State Planning and Research Program, the long-range transportation plan, STIP or TIP or may be part of a standalone study. Federally funded or regionally significant transportation security should be included in the metropolitan long-range plan, STIP, or TIP. Other activities might include documenting conversations and coordination with groups focused on security or including transportation security as a project selection criterion. Additional sources of information For "The Role of the Metropolitan Organization (MPO) in Preparing for Security Incidents and Transportation System Response" by Michael D. Meyer, Ph.D., P.E., see www.planning.dot.gov/Documents/Securitypaper.htm For NCHRP: Report 525 Surface Transportation Security, Volume 3, Incorporating Security into the Transportation Planning Process, Transportation Research Board, see http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_525v3.pdf For FHWA’s Emergency Transportation Operations website, see http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/OpsSecurity GAO Report 04-1009, "Homeland Security: Effective Regional Coordination Can Enhance Emergency Preparedness;" see www.gao.gov/new.items/d041009.pdf Federal Transit Administration, The Public Transportation System Security and Emergency Preparedness Planning Guide (2003); see http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/Publications/Default.asp NCHRP 525, "Incorporating Security into the Transportation Planning Process;" see http://trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=5028 For "Security Considerations in Transportation Planning" from Steven Polzin at the University of South Florida's Center for Urban Transportation Research, see www.cutr.usf.edu/pubs/Security paper 0402.doc |
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![]() Reliability of Trip Making: The level of reliability of the time it takes to make a specific trip; for example, one’s daily commute, or the time it takes for goods to move between shipper and receiver. |
SYSTEM MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS (M&O) What is system management and operations? System management and operations (M&O) analyzes regional transportation as an interconnected set of services and systems to improve system performance through better management and use of the multimodal transportation network. M&O is an integrated approach to optimize the performance of existing infrastructure through the implementation of multimodal, intermodal, and often cross-jurisdictional systems, services, and projects. This includes regional operations collaboration and coordination activities between transportation and public safety agencies. M&O strategies aim at improving service efficiency, enhancing public safety and security, reducing traveler delays, and improving access to information for travelers. In identifying possible system M&O improvements, it is important to understand what system users want in terms of performance. Some examples of user-oriented performance measures are average trip travel time, length of delay, and reliability of trip making. These are important indicators of how well the transportation system is operating. What are the requirements for considering management and operations in the transportation planning process? Federal requirements call for consideration of M&O in the metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes. For instance, "Promote efficient system management and operation" is one planning factor. Legislation also states that transportation plans shall include operations and management strategies to improve the performance of the existing transportation system to relieve vehicular congestion and maximize the mobility of people and goods. What are some examples of system management and operations tools? Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are technological tools that can help to facilitate better system M&O. For example, roadway video surveillance allows better responses to changes in network conditions, such as clearing an accident faster to keep traffic moving. ITS technologies also can be used to collect real-time data, like travel speeds, which can be used to monitor system performance over time. Other examples of system M&O tools include:
These M&O strategies and tools focus on optimizing the performance of the transportation system. It is essential to mention that M&O does not include traditional maintenance activities, such as lawn cutting, pothole repair, or resurfacing. What is the role of the MPO in enhancing system management and operations? Identifying M&O strategies and benefits: When developing the transportation plan, the MPO should consider using M&O strategies as one method of improving mobility for constituents. Those programs and projects should then be given high priority in the TIP. Coordinating with all agencies involved: Many different agencies assist in system management and operations in a typical metropolitan area. The MPO can provide regional leadership in establishing a decisionmaking framework by bringing parties together, by helping to determine how M&O decisions will be made in an area, and by asking for input on M&O issues as part of the planning process. This allows agencies to develop M&O strategies in common. Developing performance measures: The MPO should develop system performance measures that take into account the desires and expectations of transportation users, and can be used to decide how funds should be spent. The MPO can then work to improve the system through future plans and TIPs. What is the role of the state DOT in systems management and operation? Since states have responsibility for operations and management of significant portions of the transportation network, they have a major role in considering operations and management strategies in the planning process. State DOTs also have a major role both outside and within metropolitan areas supporting coordination between the operations and planning functions. Additional sources of information: For the FHWA and FTA Planning for Systems Management and Operation Web site, see plan4operations.dot.gov For the FHWA's operations Web site, with information on travel management, transportation operations, freight management, and ITS, see www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov For the U.S. Department of Transportation's official ITS site, see www.its.dot.govSee also A Toolbox for Alleviating Traffic Congestion and Enhancing Mobility. Institute of Transportation Engineers: Washington, D.C.,1997. See also Federal Highway Administration, Managing Our Congested Streets and Highways, U.S. DOT, 2001. For more information from ITS America, a nonprofit organization that acts as a clearinghouse for information on ITS, see www.itsa.org TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING: MODELS, GIS, and VISUALIZATION Better planning tools are increasingly available to help MPOs understand the impact of their decisions on the transportation network and the natural and human environment. A number of decision support tools are available to communities to help them tackle land use, community development, economic development, and environmental protection challenges. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based decision support and visualization tools assist planners with conveying information to stakeholders to encourage successful community design and informed decisionmaking. Examples of planning tools include transportation models, land use models, GIS, GIS-based decision support tools, scenario planning models, and satellite imagery. What are models? Models are simulations of the "real world" that can be used to show the impact of changes in a metropolitan area on the transportation system (such as adding a new road or transit line, or increases in population or employment). Travel models may be used to test the travel impacts of changes in land use, economic development, fuel and parking cost, and new highway or transit system capacity. Three important ingredients are part of any model used for transportation analysis:
Challenges to the validity of travel models often focus on one of these three assumptions. What is the four-step modeling process? For the past 40 years, transportation professionals have used a four-step approach in modeling transportation demand. Most modeling approaches use some form of these steps today. Once some understanding has been established as to what the land use, population, and employment levels are in a study area, the four modeling steps are:
What are other types of models? Four-step models are commonly used to predict the demand for transportation services. Transportation planners and engineers also use other types of models to analyze and evaluate the performance of transportation systems and resulting impacts. Land use models are used to forecast future development patterns as well as the potential for proposed transportation improvement to "induce" new or accelerated land development in particular areas. The output of land use models typically provides the input to the trip generation step of the travel forecasting model. Emissions models use the output of travel forecasting models—simulated highway travel as expressed by vehicle miles traveled—in projecting the tons of key pollutants emitted in the exhaust of vehicular trips. Estimates of the tons of emissions of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulates from emissions models provide important information for use in air quality analysis. Several metropolitan areas, such as New York, San Francisco, and Columbus, Ohio have implemented advanced tour or activity-based models, which model travel differently from trip-based models. Tour-based models, for instance, keep track of travel activity throughout the day and can assemble multiple trip legs (chained trips) into tours. For example, a parent may leave work, pick up the children at day care, and stop at the grocery store on the way home. These separate trips would be linked together into a tour and, when taken as a whole, the modeled travel behavior of this parent would likely be different than if all of these trips were considered separately. An activity- or tour-based model is able to show the extent to which mixed-use neighborhood residents tend to reduce their automobile use by taking transit, walking or bicycling, or accomplishing several activities in one automobile trip in cases where mixed-use development places retail, entertainment, and office locations close together. The modeling approach, more disaggregated in time, space, and activities, is also better suited to analyzing other complex policy alternatives such as variable pricing, flexible working hours, nonmotorized travel, and induced demand. What should decisionmakers consider when presented with the results of models? Results of a model are still only estimates—they cannot provide a definitive picture of what will happen in the future. Much like economic projections, transportation forecasts are greatly affected by the long-term economic health and attractiveness of the region, by population changes, and by the individual behavior of each person using the transportation system, which no one can predict. Model results are only as good as the data that go into the model. MPOs must use the most current socioeconomic and census data available, especially if the region is growing rapidly. MPOs should make every effort to explain the information and assumptions that went into creating the model in plain, understandable terms. Finally, it is important that the models periodically be validated against observed conditions. And, the state, MPO, and transit operators should have a schedule for periodic re-survey of the usage and performance patterns of their systems (e.g. transit onboard and roadside origin/destination surveys). What are visualization techniques, and how are they used in transportation planning? Visualization techniques are methods used by states and MPOs to communicate information used in the development of transportation plans and programs to the public, elected and appointed officials, and other stakeholders in a clear and easily accessible format. This could involve use of one or more of a broad range of information dissemination tools, including maps, pictures, or displays, with the intention of promoting improved understanding about existing or proposed transportation plans, policies, and programs. Visualization techniques can be used through the process, including in developing planning documents, on websites, and at public outreach and information sessions. Through visual imagery, the complex character of proposed transportation plans, policies and programs can be portrayed at appropriate scales and from different points of view, providing the public and decision makers with a clear idea of the proposals and likely impacts to the human and natural environment. In addition to their use in public involvement, visualization techniques are increasingly used as tools for improved decisionmaking for context-sensitive solutions. What is a Geographic Information System (GIS)? How can state DOTs, MPOs and public transportation providers use GIS during transportation planning? A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a collection of computer software, hardware, and data used to store, manipulate, analyze, and present geographically referenced information. A GIS can be used both for analysis and as the basis for many of the visualization techniques described above. In transportation planning, GIS is typically used to compile and "overlay" multiple sets of data linked to particular geographic locations. Using GIS, transportation professionals can holistically and efficiently view multiple items of interest about a particular geographic area including transportation facilities, operations, demographics, environmental and cultural resources, public lands, and others. As an aid to environmental analysis, GISs also are used to overlay key features of the human and natural environment for the purpose of identifying corridors and subareas with the highest concentration of sensitive areas. What is scenario planning and how does it use these technologies? One use of models is in assessing the transportation impacts of alternative possible future policy scenarios. Scenario testing, also known as scenario planning, is an important policy analysis and public involvement tool for planners and involves undertaking long-range strategic planning studies testing alternative sets of future-year assumptions and engaging stakeholders and the public in reviewing the implications. Instead of concentrating on one aspect of planning for the future, many tools used in scenario planning estimate the impacts of people's decisions today on the land use, transportation system, and environment of tomorrow. Additionally, these tools take into account the interconnections between these three aspects of planning. For example, if a change to the transportation system is proposed for an area, models can estimate its land use and environmental impacts. Powerful tools provide for more comprehensive geographic analysis and visualization using interactive analysis tools and a decisionmaking framework. Scenario planning tools can be used to view, analyze, and understand land-use alternatives and their impacts for informed decisionmaking. Additional sources of information: Cambridge Systematics and Transmode Consultants, Multimodal Corridor and Capacity Analysis Manual: National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 399. Transportation Research Board, 1998. For the FHWA's Travel Model Improvement Program (TMIP) see tmip.fhwa.dot.gov See also Meyer, M. and E. Miller, Urban Transportation Planning: A Decision-Oriented Approach. New York: McGraw Hill, 2001. For NETC 00-6: Effective Visualization Techniques for The Public Presentation Of Transportation Projects see www.netc.uconn.edu/pdf/netcr48_00-6.pdf For more on TRB's work on visualization in transportation see www.trbvis.org For AASHTO's Visualization in Transportation: A Guide for Transportation Agencies see cms.transportation.org/sites/design/docs/VisualizationGuideJuly2003.pdf For TRB's Visualization Symposium Proceedings see www.teachamerica.com/viz/viz2006.html For NCHRP's Visualization in Project Development see onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_syn_361.pdf For the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty Executive Geographic Information System (HEPGIS) see hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov TITLE VI/ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (EJ) What is Title VI/Environmental Justice? The goal of Title VI/Environmental Justice (EJ) is to ensure that services and benefits are fairly distributed to all people, regardless of race, national origin, or income, and that they have access to meaningful participation. Title VI/Environmental Justice in transportation programs is achieved through:
What is the role of the state DOT and MPO in incorporating Title VI/Environmental Justice into transportation planning? As the agency responsible for coordinating the transportation planning process, the state DOT or MPO must make sure that all segments of the population have been included in the planning process. The impact of proposed transportation investments on underserved and under represented population groups must be part of the evaluation process. In particular, the following questions are important in addressing Title VI/Environmental Justice issues in the planning process:
What are the regulatory foundations for Title VI/Environmental Justice? The legal foundation for environmental justice considerations is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in any program receiving federal assistance. The 1969 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 23 USC 109(h) also require that social, economic, and environmental consequences of programs be considered when contemplating any action having federal support. The FHWA and the FTA have jointly issued policy guidance on how Title VI/Environmental Justice concerns can be incorporated into metropolitan transportation planning. Additional sources of information: For extensive information and case studies on Title VI/Environmental Justice, including the joint FHWA/FTA policy guidance on incorporating Title VI/Environmental Justice concerns into metropolitan transportation planning see www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/ej2.htm For information on state DOTs responsibilities, general public responsibilities, frequently asked questions, and an environmental justice library see www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov/asp/ej.asp For the Washington State Department of Transportation website which provides information on environmental justtice analysis tools, resources and training see www.wsdot.wa.gov/Environment/EJ/EnviroJustice.htm TRANSPORTATION ASSET MANAGEMENT What is Transportation Asset Management? Transportation Asset Management is a strategic framework for making cost-effective decisions about allocating resources (funding and personnel) and managing infrastructure (physical assets such as roads, equipment, and buildings). It is based on a process of monitoring the physical condition of assets, predicting deterioration over time, and providing information on how to invest in order to maintain or enhance the performance of assets over their useful life. The goals of a transportation asset management program are to minimize the life-cycle costs for managing and maintaining transportation assets, including pavements, bridges, tunnels, rails, and roadside features. What is the role of the MPO in Transportation Asset Management? MPOs should ensure that 1) their metropolitan transportation plan is comprehensive and incorporates the transportation assets of all modes, 2) that the transportation network is managed to meet both current and future demands, and 3) that expenditures are optimized for value. Transportation asset management principles and techniques are valuable tools that can be applied by an MPO and result in more effective decisionmaking. The MPO role in a successful transportation asset management program includes managing public investment through the transportation plan and TIP, defining performance measures for assets through public involvement, serving as a repository for asset data, and promoting standard data collection and technology applications. MPOs can also educate the public and decisionmakers and work cooperatively with stakeholders across transportation modes. The MPO can support asset management by encouraging the collection of data and information that helps establish priorities for improving the area's transportation assets. Typically, the MPO does not, on its own, develop and/or operate a transportation asset management decisionmaking framework; this is usually the responsibility of state and local operating agencies. What are the steps decisionmakers use in the Transportation Asset Management process? The following steps are typical for the Transportation Asset Management process:
What questions should transportation decisionmakers ask as part of the Transportation Asset Management process?
Additional sources of information: Asset Management: Advancing the State of the Art into the 21st Century Through Public-Private Dialogue, FHWA, Report No. FHWA-RD-97-046. For information on obtaining a copy of this report, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/pubstats.html For FHWA's Asset Management Primer, December 1999, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/asstmgmt/amprimer.pdf For more about the mission of FHWA's Office of Asset Management, and useful links, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/asstmgmt For Transportation Planning and Asset Management, FHWA, 2006. See www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/asstmgmt/tpamb.cfm APPENDICES Recent Surface Transportation Reauthorizations RECENT SURFACE TRANSPORTATION REAUTHORIZATIONS
ACRONYMS
GLOSSARY
FINANCING THE STATEWIDE PLAN
Major Federal-Aid Highway Programs under SAFETEA-LU Major Federal Transit Administration Programs Funding Transferability under SAFETEA-LU Innovative Highway Financing Strategies/Tools: Cash Flow Approaches Tolls and Other Income-Generating Tools Leveraging Tools Credit Tools A modified version of the following tables is found in Financing the Statewide Plan: A Guidebook, Federal Highway Administration, November 1999: www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep10/state/04703r04.pdf. For more information about FTA funding programs, see www.fta.dot.gov/funding.
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