What is the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and what does it
do?
The Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization, also known as the
MPO, is a transportation policy-making board comprised of representatives from
local government and transportation authorities. The MPO is responsible for
establishing a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive transportation planning
process for Hillsborough County, according to federal and state laws. To learn
more about the MPO, visit the About Your MPO section on this web site.
When does the Metropolitan Planning Organization meet, and can I
come?
The Metropolitan Planning Organization normally meets the first Tuesday of
the month on the second floor of the County Center Building. Meetings are
broadcast on HTV22. Please see the calendar for dates located on this web site
in the Meetings & Events section. All meetings are open to the public and
generally provide time for public comments.
What is the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)?
The 2025 LRTP is a collective effort to address the development of a
community-wide transportation system. The Plan proposes a balanced
transportation system, taking into account considerations such as personal
mobility, growth management, regional economic development, neighborhood
preservation, environmental concerns and citizen participation. The goals are
consistent with the policies established by local agencies and jurisdictions.
For more information, view the LRTP in the Publications & Maps section of
this web site.
What is the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)?
The MPO develops an annual Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) that
identifies and prioritizes projects over the next five years. These projects
generally come from the LRTP. Improvements to services and facilities
identified in the TIP include roadways, aviation, bicycle and port facilities,
to name a few. For a look at the most recent TIP, visit the Publications &
Maps section of this web site.
Is a road in my area going to be widened?
The MPO 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan contains information on
affordable roadway improvements over the next 20 years. The Transportation
Improvement Program contains information on committed roadway improvements to be
made over the next 5 years. Visit the Publications & Maps section of this
web site to view all maps and documents or contact us for more information.
Who decides when and where a road gets built?
Generally, elected bodies such as city councils, the Board of County
Commissioners, and the Florida Legislature adopt programs to fund specific
projects. To determine who, you can download a copy of the Long Range
Transportation Plan (LRTP). The Hillsborough County MPO is responsible for the
continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process
throughout Hillsborough County and is comprised of a board of elected officials
from local governments and transportation agencies.
What is the traffic count on a specific roadway/count
station?
Traffic counts record the number of vehicles using the roadway. Most traffic
counts are made by the local governments or the Florida Department of
Transportation, and are used to evaluate the level of service of a roadway, or
to plan for improvements or resurfacing. The traffic count process may extend
over one day or several days. Click on Traffic Counts to view more
information.
If I don't or can't drive, what options are available to
me?
Transportation choices depend heavily on where you live and your travel
destination. The MPO and the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board
guide and coordinate transportation services with the goal of improving mobility
for children at high risk, the elderly, persons with physical or mental
disabilities and the economically disadvantaged. The Transportation
Disadvantaged Ride Guide is a publication to assist those who need information
about transportation options. It can be downloaded from this site from the list
of Other Publications under Publications & Maps.
How does our public transit system stack up against
others?
A September 2005 comparison of our system to twenty peer cities showed HART
ranked 14th in vehicle hours of service provided, 16th in ridership, and 18th in
funding available to it.
Where are the best locations to ride my bike?
The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee is currently working on updating
the Bicycle Suitability Map for Hillsborough County. If you would like to
request one of these maps please contact Gena Torres at 813/273-3774 x357 or
torresg@plancom.org.
