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:

• Policies, strategies, and projects for the future;
• A systems level approach by considering roadways, transit, nonmotorized transportation, and intermodal connections;
• Projected demand for transportation services over 20 years;
• Regional land use, development, housing, and employment goals and plans;
• Cost estimates and reasonably available financial sources for operation, maintenance, and capital investments; and
• Ways to preserve existing roads and facilities and make efficient use of the existing system.

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.