Major Strategies | how we will move forward

In an effort to respond to a variety of challenges, make the most of regional assets, and realize our transportation vision, the following major strategies will guide regional transportation planning and investment activities over the next 30 years.

 

Maximize use of existing infrastructure

• Continue to focus on preserving and maintaining the transportation system (roadway, transit, Intelligent Transportation Systems, etc.) as the region's top transportation priority.
• Leverage technology, communications and management strategies to maximize the capacities of existing transportation system.
• Use strategic capacity and bottleneck improvements to address recurring congestion and system delays

 

Improve connectivity and access

• Fill existing gaps in transportation networks and systems.
• Coordinate transportation investments expansions to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support expanded intercity connections through roadway, bus and passenger/high-speed rail services

 

Promote nonmotorized transportation options

• Require transportation investments to consider and include accommodations for all appropriate users, including bicycle, pedestrian and transit users.
• Work with MARC transportation committees and local stakeholders to create a policy for multimodal design considerations to support MARC's planning and programming processes.
  

 

Preserve, enhance, and expand regional transit and paratransit services

• Work with transit providers, local governments and state departments of transportation to implement and fund the Smart Moves Regional Transit Vision.

 

Integrate land-use and transportation planning

• Continue to work with local governments to integrate locally adopted plans into transportation-planning processes.
• Use capacity and system improvements where appropriate to foster and efficiently serve growth and development.
• Develop a livable communities strategy that facilitates land-use and transportation integration.
  

 

Enhance, preserve and connect high-quality natural resources

• Formalize collaborative planning process (Linking Environmental and Transportation Planning Advisory Committee and Action Plan) to help ensure early integration of environmental and transportation planning.
• Develop a regional mitigation strategy to focus mitigation investment toward high-priority natural resources and implementing MetroGreen® trails and greenways.
• Develop environmental best practices and model policies for transportation-related construction, operation and maintenance functions.