Metropolitan Transportation Plan

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:

• Policies, strategies, and projects for the future;
• A systems level approach by considering roadways, transit, non motorized 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 (see Part II section on Financial Planning and Programming); and
• Ways to preserve existing roads and facilities and make efficient use of the existing system.

The 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 non attainment or maintenance areas. MPO’s 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 non attainment or maintenance area, the plan must conform to the SIP for air quality. An updated MTP and corresponding transportation conformity determination will be required by November 4, 2026.