The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking public comment to help finalize a new strategic plan that returns the focus of transportation decisions to the people who use the transportation systems and their communities.
The plan, “Transportation for a New Generation,” helps set the priorities of the department and offers a blueprint for providing the traveling public with safe, convenient, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation choices for the 21st century.
“In opening our strategic plan for the public comment, we are giving citizens the opportunity to directly influence the shape of upcoming transportation decisions,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We encourage all interested individuals to read the plan and share their insights with us.”
The draft plan will be available for several weeks to receive comments and critiques from the public. A copy of “Transportation for a New Generation” can be viewed and public comment can be received at www.dot.gov.
The draft plan notes that during the 20th century, the U.S. benefited from building highway and aviation networks that fueled unprecedented economic prosperity and individual mobility and connected the nation’s cities, towns, and regions to the rest of the world. However, in the 21st century, policies and individual investment decisions for highways, public transit, railroads, seaports, inland waterways and airports often lack an outcome-driven approach and at times conflict with each other and with important national priorities. “Transportation for a New Generation” aims to restore the focus of transportation decisions to the people and their communities.