FHWA’s Performance-Based Planning and Programming (PBPP) structure provides a national framework for making transportation decisions based on data, measurable outcomes, and accountability. Under this structure, MPOs like the RPC must set performance targets, monitor system conditions, and demonstrate how transportation investments support federal goals for safety, asset condition, system performance, freight movement, and transit state of good repair.
The PBPP process requires MPOs to integrate performance measures into every major planning document—including the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and annual UPWP—so that decisions are transparent, data-driven, and tied to long-term results.
Key Components of FHWA’s PBPP Structure
National Goals FHWA establishes national goals for safety, infrastructure condition, congestion reduction, system reliability, freight movement, environmental sustainability, and project delivery.
National Performance Measures MPOs and states must monitor and report on federally defined performance measures such as fatalities and serious injuries, pavement and bridge condition, travel time reliability, freight reliability, and transit asset condition.
Target Setting MPOs coordinate with the state DOT and transit providers to set regional targets for each national measure.
Performance Monitoring Data is collected and analyzed regularly to assess current conditions and track progress toward achieving targets.
Linking Investment to Outcomes MPOs must show how projects and strategies in the MTP and TIP will help meet performance goals and improve system conditions over time.
Reporting & Accountability MPOs submit federally required reports demonstrating performance trends, achievement of targets, and the effectiveness of investments.
MPO Required Documents & Functions
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are required under federal law to develop and maintain several key planning documents. These documents ensure that regional transportation decisions are coordinated, data-driven, financially responsible, and aligned with federal planning requirements. Together, they form the foundation of the “3C” planning process—continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive
Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
Function: The MPO’s annual workplan describing all planning studies, data collection, engagement activities, and administrative tasks to be completed.
Purpose: Shows how federal planning funds (FHWA PL, FTA 5303) are used and ensures planning complies with federal regulations.
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)
Function: The long-range (30+ year) vision for the region’s transportation system. It identifies future needs, sets regional goals, and outlines major multimodal projects and strategies.
Purpose: Provides the blueprint for mobility, safety, equity, resilience, economic access, freight movement, and system preservation.
Congestion Management Process (CMP)
Function: Identifies and monitors congestion, evaluates causes, and develops strategies to improve reliability.
Purpose: Supports targeted, data-driven congestion and mobility solutions.
Coordinated Public Transit–Human Services Transportation Plan
Function: Identifies transportation needs of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.
Purpose: Supports coordinated mobility programs and eligibility for FTA 5310 funding.
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Function: A four-year, fiscally constrained list of specific transportation projects that will receive federal funding.
Purpose: Programs short-range investments that directly support the long-range MTP; required for a project to be eligible for federal funds.
Title VI Program /NEPA/ADA and Civil Rights Documentation
Function: Documents how the MPO ensures nondiscrimination and equitable distribution of benefits and burdens in all planning activities.
Purpose: Ensures compliance with Title VI, NEPA, and ADA requirements.
Regional Outreach and Planning Engagement Strategies (ROPES)
Function: Defines how local government agencies, stakeholders, the public, and underserved communities will be involved and consulted in the regional planning process.
Purpose: Ensures transparency, accessibility, Title VI compliance, and meaningful community engagement.
Annual Listing of Obligated Projects
Function: Lists all transportation projects for which federal funds were obligated during the previous fiscal year.
Purpose: Provides transparency by showing how funds were actually spent, which projects advanced, and how programming aligns with the TIP and MTP.
Annual Report
Function: Summaries of completed UPWP tasks, expenditures, and planning accomplishments.
Purpose: Ensures accountability, transparency, and compliance with federal funding requirements.
Certification & Compliance Documentation
Function: Demonstrates that the MPO meets all federal metropolitan planning requirements.
Purpose: Ensures continued eligibility for federal transportation funding.
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