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Rural Transportation Planning

Transportation planning requires a cooperative effort that fosters involvement by all potential users of the system. The final rule on Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Metropolitan Transportation Planning, published in May 2016, places greater importance on planning in non-metropolitan, or rural, areas, and requires states to cooperate with local officials to develop statewide and nonmetropolitan planning activities. 

FTA’s Formula Grants for Rural Areas program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000.

Rural Transportation Planning Organizations

Rural Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) are designated to develop transportation improvement programs and long-range plans for non-metropolitan areas. Federal transit law (49 U.S.C. § 5301 et seq) and the final rule on Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Metropolitan Transportation Planning spell out provisions for the organizations. 

Case Studies

Coordinated Human Service Transportation PlansTransit rider with cane

These locally developed, coordinated transportation plans identify transportation needs and the strategies to meet them for people with disabilities, older adults, and people with low incomes. Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plans prioritize transportation services for funding and implementation. Nonmetropolitan planning agencies are required to develop Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plans to improve mobility for seniors and people with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility options.

Case Studies

Resources

Rural Transit Planning

Improving mobility can be challenging for rural communities that would like to plan and implement transit service. Many rural areas rely on agencies such as county government or an economic development authority, human service organization, council of governments, rural planning organization, or state department of transportation for transit planning. 

Case Studies

Resources