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
November 17, 2010
Urges stronger role for MD and VA Governors, DC Mayor to ensure accountability, restore confidence
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News
November 16, 2010
When reading Lydia DePillis’ post from a few days ago on whether NoMa will turn out to be simply L’Enfant Plaza with snazzier design we here at The...
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News
November 15, 2010
The United States has long been a country that values home ownership. It is often argued that home ownership fosters the development of a citizenry that...
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News
November 2, 2010
As a follow-up to yesterday’s post about the economy today’s Morning Measure asks a tough question: in a very strained economic environment how should...
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News
October 27, 2010
The concept of bike sharing went mainstream about three years ago when the Vélib’ system blanketed Paris with 20000 bicycles. The success of the program in...