The region's extensive highway and road network forms the backbone of its transportation system. Every day, millions of people travel by car or truck to access jobs, schools, and medical care, as well as shopping, entertainment, and recreational opportunities. Roads also carry the majority of goods deliveries to homes, schools, businesses, and stores in the region.
The region also boasts one of the premier public transit systems in the country. Metro moves hundreds of thousands of people—commuters, students, and tourists—each work day. Commuter railroads in Maryland and Virginia and dozens of local bus and other transit providers move many thousands more. Together, these transit services play a critical role in sustaining economic vitality, serving the needs of low-income and other disadvantaged populations, providing high-quality alternatives to driving, building communities, and reducing environmental impacts.
COG and the TPB lead numerous efforts to monitor and manage traffic on area roadways, promote highway and traffic safety, forecast future travel demands, and coordinate long-term planning of roadway improvements. In addition, COG and the TPB analyze regional ridership trends and forecasts, coordinate long-term planning of major transit improvements, and organize programs to promote greater use of transit as a commute alternative. COG and the TPB also bring transit operators together from around the region to share best practices for improving short-term operations and to highlight long-term funding needs.
News & Multimedia
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News
September 18, 2013
Freight traffic is forecast to increase by 66 percent, about 400 million tons and 151% in value. Over the next 30 years trucks will account for about 90 percent...
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News
September 3, 2013
"Park it. For a whole day or more."
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News
August 1, 2013
The Washington Post, Frederick News-Post , and WAMU highlight draft plan's strategies and recommendations during its public comment period.
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News
July 25, 2013
Officials are seeking feedback on the draft Regional Transportation Priorities Plan , a new effort informed by the public to identify strategies that will...
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News
July 23, 2013
Nine local jurisdictions in the Washington region will receive technical assistance under the Transportation Planning Board's Transportation/Land-Use...