Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)

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CRCOG is beginning the update process for the Capitol Region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The MTP provides a 25-year overview of the anticipated major transportation improvements and investments in the Capitol Region. It is a systems level plan that provides general policy guidance by identifying the highest priority transportation needs in the Region and outlining projects and programs to address those needs. The MTP is updated every four years in conformance with federal transportation regulations.

For specific projects scheduled to be funded over the next four years, see the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Schedule

1. Plan Development (Fall 2022):
   • Background and Trend Data
   • Draft Goals and Vision for the Plan
2. Public and Internal Input (Fall 2022/Winter 2023):
   • Public Meetings
   • Online Surveys
   • Refinement of Plan’s Goals and Vision
3. Public Review of Phase 2 (Winter 2023):
   • Draft Metropolitan Transportation Plan
   • 30 Day Public Comment Period
4. Metropolitan Transportation Plan (Spring 2023):
   • Finalize and Complete

The first round of MTP public meetings were held in November in a hybrid format. If you’re interested in listening back to either of the MTP public meetings, the recordings and presentation are posted below:

• 11/16/22, 6:00pm – 7:30pm:
• 11/17/22, 12:00pm – 1:30pm:

2023 MTP Public Meeting Presentation

Please direct any questions or concerns to our Transportation Planning Deputy, Cara Radzins. You may reach her by email or by phone: 860-724-4251.

The Metropolitan Transportation Plan will be fully compliant with federal requirements. It will Incorporate performance measures and cover CRCOG’s entire 38-municipality region. Called “Connect 2050,” this current planning effort focuses on addressing regional efforts to improve mobility and access throughout the region.

Mobility can be defined as any type of movement of persons or things, or the ability to get from place to place.  Today, it typically refers to bicyclists, pedestrians, persons who use wheelchairs or walkers, automobiles, buses, trains, streetcars/trams, vans, trucks, airplanes and marine traffic, to name some of the more common modes.  Access, or Accessibility, as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), is a measure of how easy it is for persons and businesses to reach a variety of locations.  USDOT notes there are many factors that affect Mobility and Access, including the availability and cost of transportation, the infrastructure to facilitate it, population growth, and economic fluctuations.  Another key component related to Access is choice – more options for travel modes and destinations will lead to greater access.  CRCOG’s transportation future will be defined by how well both Mobility and Access in the region are enhanced and improved over the coming decades.

 

• Pedestrian – Every trip a person takes starts and ends as a pedestrian. Gaps in sidewalk networks and outdated pedestrian signals are common causes for poor pedestrian behavior.

 

• Bicycle – Bicycles provide a convenient and healthy alternative opposed to driving. There are few facilities in Connecticut that provide the safety or comfort needed to entice more trips.

 

• Micromobility – Often small shared or personal devices, whether human or electric powered such as bicycles, skateboards or e-scooters, offer affordable and sustainable first/last-mile connections. Micromobility continues to gain momentum across the Capitol region, most notably with the Hartford e-scooter system, as well as throughout the State.

 

• Bus – Bus Transit offers fairly rapid service for a large portion of residents. Most notable is the addition of the Ctfastrak from New Britain to Hartford.

 

• Train – Rail service in the region consists of both passenger and freight. The movement of goods using trains removes heavy vehicles from the highways and reduces the wear and tear on the aging highway system. The recent opening of the New Haven, Hartford, Springfield Line for passenger service offers key links both locally and regionally.

 

• Automobile – One of the most widely used forms of transportation mostly because of convenience. Congestion and traffic crashes are always obstacles to face when choosing to drive; in some circumstances driving may be the only viable mode to reach a destination.

 

• Air – The region includes Bradley International Airport, along with other smaller airports such as Brainerd Airport. Bradley Airport offers access to many destinations as well as serving as a freight hub for moving goods. Bradley continues to take on a greater and greater role in the region as congestion at other airports worsens. The MTP’s focus is on surface transportation and therefore it primarily concerns regarding air transportation is ensuring access to and from airports.