Bay Area Adopts Regional Transportation Plan

On Earth Day, the Bay Area's MPO- the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, formally adopted their Regional Transportation Plan that includes a controversial 800-mile High Occupancy Toll lane network that is dependent on the passage of legislation.

1 minute read

April 27, 2009, 12:00 PM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


A 25-year spending and planning strategy adopted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission Wednesday calls for the development of an 800-mile network of express lanes - carpool lanes that solo drivers could pay a toll to use.

The transportation plan, two years in the making, outlines how to spend $218 billion in projects in the nine-county Bay Area over the next 25 years. It is updated every three years.

The (express lane) network, which would cost $3.7 billion to build, would first convert 400-plus miles of carpool lanes to express lanes by installing overhead structures that would collect tolls electronically, using FasTrak transponders. Then additional express lanes would be built. Details on toll amounts and how the lanes would operate have not yet been determined."

The plan provides "the ability to use the income from the express-lane network to fund transit improvements, including express buses using the lanes."

From Streetsblog: MTC Approves Sweeping Regional Plan, Debates New Toll Lanes:
"While most of the public comment was laudatory, some expressed concern the RTP fails to make meaningful inroads in meeting climate change goals set out in AB 32 and SB 375. Stuart Cohen, Executive Director of TransForm, called it a "test run," and said the commission needs to reevaluate the way it plans RTPs and should think outside the box. "

Thanks to MTC-ABAG Library

Thursday, April 23, 2009 in San Francisco Chronicle

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.