Regional Transportation Planning

In an effort to identify the public transportation needs, resources, and strategies for the State of Texas the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) established a Regional Transportation Planning process in 2006. PRPC was chosen to serve as the regional lead entity in the Panhandle and quickly helped establish the Panhandle Regional Transportation Planning Advisory Group (RTAG). The RTAG brings expertise from TXDOT, the transportation sector, the Health and Human Service Sector, Local Municipalities, special interests, and the public at large to the table in discussions regarding the Regional Plan. Local Government Services (LGS) staff assists the RTAG by posting meetings, facilitating plan development, managing fiscal responsibilities, hosting meetings, and meeting TXDOT reporting requirements.

The first Panhandle Regional Transportation Planning Plan was adopted in early 2007 after a comprehensive planning effort. In the 2007 Plan, transportation resources were identified, user groups were surveyed, health and human services organizations were inquired of, and a comprehensive needs assessment was conducted. Based on this needs assessment gaps in service were identified and opportunities for improvement in the region’s public transportation system were evidenced. This led to the development of regional improvement strategies to address the needs of the citizens of the Panhandle. Through 2009 over 75% of the strategies identified in the Plan have been implemented and the RTAG is serving as a model of Regional Transportation Planning in the State of Texas.

In October of 2009 the RTAG began the process of updating the Regional Transportation Planning Plan for 2011. Surveys are again being issued to user groups, transportation providers, and health and human services providers. As the regional plan is updated new strategies to improve public transportation in the Panhandle will be identified. The Table of Contents for the 2011 Plan will be as follows to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the region’s public transportation system has been conducted. As these draft chapters are developed they will be posted on the PanhandleRTAG website for public review to ensure that all parties interested in the process have an opportunity to view them and provide feedback.

As part of the maintenance and implementation of the Regional Transportation Planning Plan, LGS staff assists Regional Transportation Planning providers with applying and securing funds through TXDOT’s Job Access/Reverse Commute and New Freedom programs. These programs help to make public transportation more accessible and more cost effective to the public and employers in the region.

All RTAG meetings are open to the public and follow the Texas Open Meetings Act. If you would like to be added to an interested parties list to receive direct notification of upcoming meetings please see contact information to the right. The volunteers who comprise the RTAG make Regional Transportation Planning possible. The following is a list of all of the current members of the RTAG who are greatly appreciated

• Rural Transportation Assistance Program

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• Panhandle Rural Planning Organization

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• Rolling Plains Organization for Rural Transportation

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• Regional Public Transportation Planning

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• Contact