MPO kicks off RTP update, emphasizes safety and climate considerations and broad outreach

MPO staff said work has begun on an update to the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), the region’s long‑range (20–25 year) transportation vision. Colleen Medeiros told members the RTP update will build on the previous plan, incorporate existing data and a public engagement process, and aim to release a draft for public comment in May with potential MPO approval in June.

Medeiros said staff will prioritize safety, expand coverage of climate change and resilience topics (such as electric vehicles and low‑lying roads), and re‑examine goals and objectives. She described a schedule of existing conditions development now, workshops and listening sessions in winter, an online survey and mapping exercise in February–April, and both in‑person and virtual outreach opportunities for communities, employers and special‑interest groups.

The Joint Transportation Committee has formed a subcommittee to help the MPO refine goals and objectives for the RTP update, and Medeiros asked members to suggest targeted groups for outreach. She said staff will draw on the Cape Cod Commission’s climate work and other recent studies while preparing the RTP.