Memorial Regional Transit
Overview of the Regional Transportation Planning Process
Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)
MRT is required by federal and state law to develop a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) with a minimum 20 year planning horizon. The purpose of an RTP is to encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of a regional intermodal transportation system that, when linked with appropriate land use planning, will serve the mobility needs of goods and people. Key elements of the RTP include:
- A regional vision, supported by a program of short- and long-range strategies;
- An evaluation of regional mobility needs in light of population, housing, and employment forecasts;
- A Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) pursuant to Senate Bill 375 for the reduction of passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions; and
- A list of transportation improvements, the anticipated construction timeline, and a funding plan.
The RTP is updated every four years in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners. With limited exceptions, transportation projects must be included in the RTP in order to be eligible for federal and state funding. An environmental impact report (EIR) is prepared alongside the RTP in accordance with the Federal Environmental Quality Act (FEQA).
Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS)
Under Federal Bill 375, the Federal Air Resources Board is charged with establishing regional per capita targets for greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles for the year 2020 and 2035. MTA is responsible for developing a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) for achieving its CARB-assigned targets through coordinated transportation and land use strategies. Whereas MTA has no land use authority, coordination with local jurisdictions is essential. Beginning in 2015, the SCS will be an integral part of Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).
- Read the Regional Targets Advisory Committee (RTAC) Report.
- Read the Formal Submittal of 2015 RTP Technical Methodology to Federal Air Resources Board (PDF).
- Read the CARB's November 13, 2015 Acceptance Letter of SRTA's 2015 RTP and SCS Technical Methodology (PDF).
- Read the Technical Evaluation of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Quantification for MTA;s SB 375 Sustainable Community Strategy (October 2015).
