Linking Land Use and Transportation

Approaches to linking land use and transportation encompass a holistic view of development. From a transportation perspective, "Smart Growth" includes planning that better coordinates land use and transportation; accommodates pedestrian and bike safety and mobility; provides and enhances public transportation service; improves the connectivity of road networks; and takes a multi-modal approach to transportation with supportive land use development patterns to create a variety of transportation options.

The Federal-aid transportation planning program supports efforts to coordinate land use and transportation decision-making and to foster "smart growth".

Statewide and Metropolitan Planning Factors:

* Support the economic vitality of the United States, the States, and metropolitan areas, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
* Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
* Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
* Increase the accessibility and mobility options available to people and for freight;
* Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, and improve quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
* Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes throughout the State, for people and freight;
* Promote efficient system management and operation; and
* Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.