What should our transportation system look like in 2050?

MARC wants rider input

The Mid-America Regional Council is working on a new long-range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for Greater Kansas City. RTP 2050 will serve as a blueprint for federal transportation investments and improvements for the next 30 years.

The plan will cover all types of surface transportation, including public transportation, streets and highways, biking and walking and goods movement. The plan will also address important issues like equity, safety, security and the environment. As the metropolitan planning organization for the region, MARC must complete the new long-range plan by June 2020. Even if you’ve been involved in giving your opinion about public transit in the region, the RTP will determine how planning and funding for transit fits in to the larger transportation picture.

“It is critically important for transit riders to be involved in developing the region’s transportation road map,” said Dick Jarrold, Senior Vice President Strategic Planning & Economic Development. “RTP 2050 must position the region to take advantage of new technologies as we look to expand bus rapid transit, streetcar and microtransit opportunities.”

Public input is crucial throughout the process to ensure that RTP 2050 reflects the values and vision of the community. Residents are encouraged to share their initial thoughts on the future of transportation in the Kansas City region by taking a short survey, online at marc.org/2050, or posting comments on MARC’s Transportation Facebook page.

The planning process includes:

• Establishing a long-term vision and goals for the region’s transportation system.
• Assessing our current transportation system and identifying needs.
• Forecasting where people will live and work by the year 2050.
• Developing a policy framework and strategies to help achieve our goals.
• Identifying major transportation investments that best align with the regional vision and goals.

Throughout the more than two-year planning process, there will be additional opportunities to provide input on different aspects of the plan. To stay up to date on progress of the plan, visit the RTP 2050 website and find more ways to connect.