The purpose for the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) is to guide the further development of a citywide multi-modal transportation system integrated with land use plans. The TMP provides the policy basis for how transportation funding is spent, and what projects or programs the city focuses on to provide transportation services for its citizens through the year 2030.
The TMP sets these projects and programs within the context of the broader community goals in the General Plan to guide the growth and development of Tempe and enhance quality of life. The City of Tempe’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan, which is to be re-named the Transportation Master Plan, was first adopted in 2003 and was later updated in 2008. While the city tries to update its master plans about every five years, the TMP is intended to be an adaptable plan and will be updated as needed.
Since 2008, the TMP has contained several components that transition Tempe from an auto dominated transportation system to a multi-modal transportation system. It is based on the philosophy and strategies of the 2003 Council-adopted plan. The 2008 plan highlighted the ability to move people, instead of focusing entirely on improving the ability to move vehicles.
For a new Transportation Master Plan the intentions of the multi-modal elements within the TMP are to:
• Coordinate local and regional land use and transportation decisions;
• Created a more balanced transportation system and reduce reliance on the automobile;
• Preserve neighborhood character while enhancing quality of life;
• Enhance streets to maximize safe and efficient use by all users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists following the principles of “Complete Streets;"
• Ensure transportation assets (equipment, improvements and programs) are adequately maintained;
• Utilize technology to improve accessibility and mobility; and
• Identify an investment program that shows how the city expects to use revenue from current and future funding sources.
Over the next year the community is invited to be part of the Transportation Master Plan development. Residents are encouraged to attend at least one the following open houses to learn about the proposed elements of the plan and provide input. Or comment using our online form.
The PowerPoint provides an explanation of why we are updating the Transportation Master Plan, as well as the expected change to the organization of the new plan using “Complete Street” principles. PowerPoint presentation from Nov. 28 and Dec. 1, 2012 meetings
Future transportation decisions will be influenced by the anticipated growth of population and employment within the City of Tempe and the region. Tempe’s first community meeting shared the currently planned transportation improvements by mode:
In updating the Transportation Master Plan, staff will approach the planning for future transportation improvements as “Complete Streets” which include integration of multiple modes when improvements are made so that streets move people instead of only cars.
Our definition is: Complete Streets are safe, comfortable, and convenient for travel for everyone, regardless of age or ability – motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation riders.
This is the beginning of our process to update the plan, so we welcome your comments and suggestions by completing the survey form.
As the plan progresses we will add more information to the website.
For more information, please contact project manager Nancy Ryan at (480) 350-8096.