Context for Metropolitan Transportation Planning
Looking at the needs and the future of the region
Transportation is not just about moving people and goods. Transportation helps shape an area’s economic health, quality of life, land-use and future growth. Furthermore, the performance of this system affects concerns about air quality, environmental resource consumption, social equity, “smart growth”, safety, and security.
Transportation planning works to reflect the community's vision for its future and it recognizes the critical links between transportation and other societal goals. The planning process is more than merely listing highway and transit capital investments; it requires developing strategies for operating, managing, maintaining, and financing the area’s transportation system in a way that helps the region reach its long-term goals.
What is Metropolitan Transportation Planning? Metropolitan transportation planning is the comprehensive process of examining travel and transportation issues and needs in a metropolitan area. It includes a demographic analysis of the area, as well as an examination of travel patterns and trends. In addition, the planning process includes an analysis of different options to see which will meet future demands, as well as provide for a safe and efficient transportation system that allows people to get around, without harming the environment.
The process is designed to foster involvement by all interested parties, such as the business community, community groups, environmental organizations, and the general public.
One key piece of the process is public participation among people who have been traditionally underserved by the transportation system and services in the region. Neglecting public involvement can result in proposed solutions that do not address the community's needs, unnecessary delays, lawsuits, and the loss of public trust.
In metropolitan areas, like Baltimore, that have more than 50,000 people, the responsibility for transportation planning lies with designated Metropolitan Planning Organizations. An MPO is a transportation policy-making organization made up of representatives from local government and transportation authorities.
Learn more… 7 key steps in the planning process
For more information:
Regina Aris, raris@baltometro.org or 410-732-9572.
Links within this web site:
7 key steps in the planning process
Links to other web sites:
About MPOs: A Brief History
Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 December 2008 10:17