Regional Transportation Planning Process
Transportation planning at the regional level is a process of balancing goals to improve the quality of life for the region’s citizens. This process is coordinated among federal, state, and local governments and private transportation providers to continuously anticipate and respond to the comprehensive transportation needs of people and goods moving throughout the region, fostering economic activity, and enabling access to and from areas outside the region.
PPACG Planning Products
PPACG’s transportation planning includes three major products. First, the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) defines the transportation planning efforts undertaken by the MPO and throughout the region. Second, this LRTP provides the long range vision and potential projects for the region’s future. Finally the short range Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the mechanism by which funding is allocated to projects. Once funding is programmed, the projects are implemented by the local jurisdictions.
These processes work together and also feed into the larger state transportation plan and transportation improvement program, which are the responsibility of CDOT. This is illustrated in Figure 2-1.
Figure 2-1: PPACG Transportation Planning
LRTP Process
The LRTP planning process is required to be continuing, cooperative and comprehensive. The 2050 LRTP provides consistency by building upon previous planning efforts. PPACG’s iterative development process involved close coordination with local jurisdictions, CDOT, and various stakeholders as well as opportunities for engagement with the public at large. Figure 2-2 illustrates the process and schedule summary for this LRTP development.
PPACG began by developing the framework for the plan, to include federal and state requirements and defining a new vision and goals for the future. Next, PPACG collected and compiled data to determine regional performance, existing network conditions, and public feedback regarding the transportation network.
Working with this data and local jurisdiction transportation planners, engineers, and subject-matter experts, PPACG defined the needs of the region. Local jurisdictions submitted projects for inclusion in the LRTP, which were then scored and culled into a fiscally constrained project list.
The project scoring criteria were based on the federal planning factors, the PPACG vision and goals, and system performance. The scoring methodology and criteria weighting were then verified and adjusted through engagement with the PPACG committees and Regional Transportation Plan Advisory Committee (RTPAC), which are defined in the following pages.
Once the draft list was assembled, projects and their impacts were evaluated and modeled. This analysis includes an equity analysis, which is included in Appendix D, and GHG analysis in accordance with state regulations and detailed in Appendix E.
All of this information was then assembled into a draft document, which was reviewed by member jurisdictions, stakeholders and committees before being released for public comment. In addition, open houses were held to educate the public and gather feedback regarding the plan. Finally, adjustments to the document were made to address public comments and the plan was finalized. The LRTP must be approved by the PPACG Board of Directors before being approved by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Figure 2-2: LRTP Process and Schedule Summary
Component and Related Plans and Studies
Developing the LRTP is a multiyear process. As previously noted, this LRTP aims to pull together existing planning efforts and relies heavily on the input of local jurisdictions. Figure 2-3 depicts the component plan categories that support, overlap with, and feed into the LRTP. These include local plans and studies developed by jurisdictions in the region as well as additional efforts conducted by PPACG. For this LRTP, the following were referenced:
- PPACG Tri-County Transportation Study
- Regional Freight Mobility Study
- Pikes Peak Region Active Transportation Plan
- 2050 Regional Transit Plan
- 2050 Regional Specialized Transportation Plan (Coordinated Human Services Plan)
- PPACG Congestion Management Process (CMP)
- ConnectCOS
- El Paso County Major Transportation Corridors Master Plan, Master Plan, and Road Safety Plan
- Fort Carson Comprehensive Traffic Study
- City of Fountain Transportation Master Plan
- Manitou Springs Transportation and Mobility Master Plan and State of the System
- Town of Monument Comprehensive Plan
- Town of Palmer Lake Community Master Plan
Figure 2-3: Component Plans
Public Engagement
Engagement was built into each step of this LRTP development. The integration of existing planning efforts and the PPACG governing board, committee structure, and public outreach programs support cooperation. PPACG believes that a multifaceted approach to stakeholder and public engagement allows for greater exposure and opportunities. This approach is documented in the PPACG 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan Public Involvement Plan (PIP), which is included as Appendix G. Using multiple outreach techniques, PPACG empowered citizens to be involved at every stage of plan development.
Key Partners
The Board of Directors
The PPACG Board of Directors comprises elected officials of the local governments in the COG. Materials are presented to the Board to ensure there is an opportunity for clarification on project materials or messaging before disseminating information to the broader community. The Board ultimately is the adopting entity for the LRTP.
Transportation Advisory Committee
The Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) is closely involved in every step of the transportation planning process, providing technical expertise and input. Membership on the TAC includes planning, engineering, and public works staff of local governments, including Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT), CDOT, local military installations, FTA, and FHWA.
Community Advisory Committee
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) provides the means for citizens of the Pikes Peak Region to have an ongoing role in PPACG planning activities. In particular, the CAC is charged with providing ongoing input into public involvement methods to ensure that the public is heard in preparing transportation plans and programs. The CAC members also serve as liaisons to their communities, helping to distribute information and encourage engagement with PPACG planning processes. Membership includes citizens appointed by PPACG member jurisdictions, representatives of designated community organizations, and six citizens-at-large appointed by the PPACG Board of Directors.
Regional Transportation Plan Advisory Committee
In addition to PPACG’s standing committees, PPACG convened an additional advisory committee focusing on the 2050 LRTP. The RTPAC guides the plan development process and provides insight into public participation.
More than 50 individuals and organizations around the region were invited to participate in the RTPAC. These organizations represented a variety of categories, including education, housing, neighborhoods, bicycles/pedestrians, parks and recreation, public health, economic development, tourists, freight land development, aging issues, transit, military, community interests, and local governments.
Partners and consultations
PPACG recognizes there are more members of the community that should be coordinated with as part of a regional effort. Several entities were engaged and consulted, when possible, to provide additional context and information for this LRTP. These include military installations, environmental and health organizations, the Central Federal Lands Highway Division, and other groups.
Public Survey
One of the first engagement tactics to support the LRTP was a short public survey. This survey was developed, disseminated, and analyzed by a neutral third party and was intended to gather information regarding regional transportation preferences. The survey was disseminated in digital and hard copy versions and in English and Spanish. It appeared on the PPACG website and was shared with a wide range of community members.
However, this survey was self-selecting and is not statistically valid, meaning that it was completed by those who chose to participate and is not intended to be an accurate cross-representation of area residents. The survey results provide discussion points that can be explored through the LRTP development and with the local jurisdictions that develop transportation projects.
Results were shared with local jurisdictions and the PPACG committees.
Survey Results
More than 800 respondents from more than 41 regional zip codes completed the survey, with high participation rates in the 80902 (Fort Carson area), in Colorado Springs 80903, 80904, 80906 (Broadmoor area), 80907 (Old North End area), 80918 (Northeast), and 80919 (Rockrimmon) areas. However, it should be noted that this represents a very small portion (less than 1%) of the population of the region.
As seen in Figure 2-4, in a typical week, 94% of respondents used cars to travel throughout the region, 53% walked, 34% biked, and 8% used transit. Respondents were allowed to choose all the transportation modes they used.
Figure 2-4: Weekly Transportation Modes
When describing their commute between home and frequently traveled places like work, school, and others, 41% said they have an average commute of 10-20 minutes, while 26% have a commute less than 10 minutes and 26% have a 20–40-minute commute. This is illustrated in Figure 2-5.
Figure 2-5: Commute Times
Respondents indicated that transportation conditions have improved or worsened significantly (31%), or have somewhat improved (24%) over the last 5 years. Some respondents could not answer the question, indicating that they have not lived in the region long enough to comment. Many correlated the improved or worse transportation conditions with an increase in regional population and advocated for proactive, rather than responsive, transportation and infrastructure planning.
With regard to other modes of transportation, 27% would ride transit more frequently if there was expanded service or buses to more destinations and 38% saw the lack of transit frequency as a top transportation problem. Meanwhile, 39% of respondents were most concerned with the lack of bicycle/pedestrian options (bicycle lanes, trails, sidewalks, crosswalks, etc.
When comparing the survey results to those in the previous LRTP, there are many similarities. The vast majority travel in single-occupancy vehicles. Drivers still desire improved road conditions and improved safety, and they would like to see increased bicycle connectivity and safe infrastructure.
Concerns about congestion have increased from 50% to 62%. Data also show, though, that over the past 5 years, people travel differently within the region. Walking on a weekly basis to destinations has increased from 27% to 53%, while taking transit has increased from 3% to 8%. Additionally, respondents to this survey advocated for additional transit options including increased service and frequency and incorporating rail into interregional and intraregional travel.
Additional information can be found in the Survey Summary in Appendix I.
Public Comments and Open Houses
In addition to the various committees, PPACG understands the importance of all voices in the regional planning process. As part of the LRTP review and adoption process, a public comment period allows the public to review, provide feedback, and comment on the draft plan. For this LRTP, the public comment period will be held in January-February of 2025.
During the comment period, PPACG holds a series of open houses to create a welcoming, collaborative environment and meet public involvement objectives. These meetings take place at a variety of locations and times to encourage maximum participation. Locations and times are chosen with consideration to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and language accessibility.
LRTP information and the opportunity to comment is also hosted online via PPACG’s website. After collecting comments, a summary is presented to the PPACG Board and relevant committees. Feedback collected during this period are included as an appendix in the LRTP and utilized for future planning efforts in the region.
LRTP Vision and Goals
Establishing a strategic direction through the formulation of a vision and goals with the guidance of our planning partners and RTPAC was the a critical early component of the LRTP planning process. The vision and goals must be in alignment with federal and state guidance and planning factors, performance-based metrics, and regional needs.
The following vision and goals were developed by the RTPAC and adjusted by the TAC, CAC, and Board of Directors to reflect the priorities of the region.
Goals were formulated with a focus on outcomes, rather than on activities or policies. The vision and goals are reflected throughout the LRTP, and all projects and recommendations included support one or more of these goals.
Vision
Develop a sustainable multimodal transportation system, facilities, and services that meet regional mobility and accessibility expectations, improve the quality of life in the Pikes Peak region, and plan for the future of transportation.
Goals
- Preserve and enhance the function of and access to the existing regional transportation system.
- Provide efficient, improved, and fully connected multimodal and intermodal transportation for people, goods, information, technology, and freight to employment hubs, military installations, and other key destinations throughout the region.
- Increase the safety, security, redundancy, and resiliency of the multimodal transportation system.
- Maintain a robust, equitable, and healthy regional transportation system that enhances economic vitality of the Pikes Peak region.
- Implement responsible transportation solutions.