Executive Summary
Chapter 1: 3C Transportation Planning and the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
Chapter 2: About the Unified Planning Work Program
Chapter 3: Certification Requirements
Chapter 4: Boston Region MPO Planning Studies and Technical Analyses
Chapter 5: Agency and Other Client-Funded Transportation Planning Studies and Technical Analyses
Chapter 6: Resource Management and Support Activities
Chapter 7: Metropolitan Area Planning Council Activities
Chapter 8: Boston Region MPO Budget and Operating Summaries
Prepared by
The Central Transportation Planning Staff:
Staff to the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
Directed by the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization,
which is composed of the
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
MBTA Advisory Board
Massachusetts Port Authority
Regional Transportation Advisory Council
City of Boston
City of Beverly
City of Everett
City of Framingham
City of Newton
City of Somerville
City of Woburn
Town of Arlington
Town of Acton
Town of Rockland
Town of Lexington
Town of Medway
Town of Norwood
Federal Highway Administration (nonvoting)
Federal Transit Administration (nonvoting)
The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) operates its programs, services, and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and related statutes and regulations. Title VI prohibits discrimination in federally assisted programs and requires that no person in the United States of America shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency), be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives federal assistance. Related federal nondiscrimination laws administered by the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, or both, prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, sex, and disability. The Boston Region MPO considers these protected populations in its Title VI Programs, consistent with federal interpretation and administration. In addition, the Boston Region MPO provides meaningful access to its programs, services, and activities to individuals with limited English proficiency, in compliance with US Department of Transportation policy and guidance on federal Executive Order 13166.
The Boston Region MPO also complies with the Massachusetts Public Accommodation Law, M.G.L. c 272 sections 92a, 98, 98a, which prohibits making any distinction, discrimination, or restriction in admission to, or treatment in a place of public accommodation based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or ancestry. Likewise, the Boston Region MPO complies with the Governor’s Executive Order 526, section 4, which requires that all programs, activities, and services provided, performed, licensed, chartered, funded, regulated, or contracted for by the state shall be conducted without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, disability, veteran’s status (including Vietnam-era veterans), or background.
A complaint form and additional information can be obtained by contacting the MPO or at http://www.bostonmpo.org/mpo_non_discrimination. To request this information in a different language or in an accessible format, please contact
Boston Region MPO
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116
civilrights@ctps.org
857.702.3702 (voice)
For people with hearing or speaking difficulties, connect through the state MassRelay service:
Relay Using TTY or Hearing Carry-over: 800.439.2370
Relay Using Voice Carry-over: 866.887.6619
Relay Using Text to Speech: 866.645.9870
For more information, including numbers for Spanish speakers, visit https://www.mass.gov/massrelay
Sandy Johnston
UPWP Manager, Central Transportation Planning Staff
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116
857.702.3702 (voice)
For people with hearing or speaking difficulties, connect through the state MassRelay service:
Relay Using TTY or Hearing Carry-over: 800.439.2370
Relay Using Voice Carry-over: 866.887.6619
Relay Using Text to Speech: 866.645.9870
For more information, including numbers for Spanish speakers, visit https://www.mass.gov/massrelay
617.570.9192
This document was funded in part through grants from the US Department of Transportation. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the US Department of Transportation.
Decisions about how to allocate transportation funds in a metropolitan area are guided by information and ideas garnered from a broad group of people, including elected officials, municipal planners and engineers, transportation advocates, and interested residents. Metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) are the bodies responsible for providing a forum for this decision-making process. Each metropolitan area in the United States with a population of 50,000 or more—also known as an urbanized area—is required by federal legislation to establish an MPO, which decides how to spend federal transportation funds for capital projects and planning studies for the area.
The Boston Region MPO’s planning area extends across 97 cities and towns from Boston north to Ipswich, south to Marshfield, and west to Interstate 495.
Figure ES-1 shows the map of the Boston Region MPO’s member municipalities.
Figure ES-1
Municipalities in the Boston Region
The MPO’s board comprises 22 voting members. Several state agencies, regional organizations, and the City of Boston are permanent voting members, while 12 municipalities are elected as voting members for three-year terms. Eight municipal members represent each of the eight subregions of the Boston region, and there are four at-large municipal seats. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) participate on the MPO board as advisory (nonvoting) members. More details about the MPO’s permanent members can be found in Appendix F.
Figure ES-2 shows MPO membership and the organization of the Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS), which serves as staff to the MPO.
Figure ES-2
Boston Region MPO Organizational Chart
The federal government regulates the funding, planning, and operation of the surface transportation system through the federal transportation program, which was enacted into law through Titles 23 and 49 of the United States Code. Section 134 of Title 23 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act and Section 5303 of the Federal Transit Act, as amended, require that urbanized areas conduct a transportation planning process to be eligible for federal funds, resulting in plans and programs consistent with the planning objectives of the metropolitan area.
As of the completion of this document, the most recent reauthorization of the surface transportation law is the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The FAST Act sets policies related to metropolitan transportation planning. The law requires all MPOs to carry out a continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative (3C) transportation planning process. As part of its 3C planning process, the Boston Region MPO annually produces the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). These documents, along with the quadrennial Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), are referred to as certification documents and are required for the MPO to be certified as meeting federal requirements; this certification is a prerequisite for receiving federal transportation funds. In addition to the requirement to produce the certification documents, the MPO must establish and conduct an inclusive public participation process, as well as maintain travel models and data resources to support air quality conformity determinations, transportation equity analyses, and long- and short-range planning work and initiatives.
Appendix E explains the regulatory and legislative context in which the MPO operates in greater detail.
The 3C planning process is an approach for conducting meaningful transportation planning. The federal government requires that MPOs conduct a process that is continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative:
Chapter 1 explains the 3C process in greater detail.
The UPWP, produced by the Boston Region MPO, explains how the Boston region’s federal transportation planning funds will be spent in a given federal fiscal year (FFY). Specifically, the UPWP is a financial plan that is produced in compliance with the federally mandated metropolitan transportation planning process described above.
The development of the UPWP involves the prioritization of all potential transportation planning studies and technical analyses that could be undertaken to benefit the region in a given year. The scopes and budgets of the prioritized studies are documented in the UPWP. The aim is to ensure that the outcomes of the studies help achieve the transportation goals that the MPO, through its public processes, has set for the region.
The UPWP serves as a source for the following information:
The Boston Region MPO plans for the transportation future of the Boston region. The MPO is guided by a 20-year vision for a modern, safe, equitable, sustainable, and technologically advanced transportation system for the region. This vision is described in the MPO’s current LRTP, Destination 2040. The transportation planning work funded through the UPWP is an integral part of achieving this regional vision.
The transportation goals of the Boston region, as defined in Destination 2040, are as follows:
The MPO is currently in the process of developing its next LRTP. In addition to the LRTP and the UPWP, the MPO also produces the TIP for the Boston region. As the near-term capital investment plan of the MPO, the TIP describes and prioritizes transportation construction projects that are expected to be implemented during the upcoming five-year period. Figure ES-3 illustrates the relationship between the LRTP vision and goals; the planning foundation for the MPO’s work, the UPWP; the TIP; and the process for monitoring and evaluating progress towards achieving the region’s goals.
Figure ES-3
Links Between LRTP, TIP, and UPWP
The total federal funding programmed in this UPWP is $5,708,978. All federal funds programmed in the UPWP are awarded to the Boston Region MPO by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) as FHWA 3C Planning (PL) funds. However, these federal funds initially come from two sources: the FHWA and the FTA. The federal funds, which are supplemented by a local match provided by MassDOT, include the following initial sources:
In addition, this UPWP includes $45,000 in carryover FFY 2021 3C PL funds that support the Professional Development task and some direct costs related to travel demand model development.
Yes, in addition to MPO-funded work, CTPS performs planning analyses and studies funded by state transportation agencies, including MassDOT, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). More detail about these agency-funded studies can be found in Chapter 5. For FFY 2022, the agency funding amounts programmed in this UPWP for projects to be conducted by MPO staff are as follows:
Throughout the following chapters, there is detailed information about work programs, studies, support activities, and technical analyses that are organized in the following categories:
Table ES-1 contains the budget allocated for the MPO’s 3C planning activities in FFY 2022. The table reflects the FHWA metropolitan PL funds and FTA Section 5303 funds, which the CTPS and MAPC expect to spend in FFY 2022. The table also reflects the work that CTPS will conduct with funds provided by other transportation agencies.
Chapters 3 through 6 provide detailed information about the transportation-planning activities that will be performed by CTPS during FFY 2022. The new studies chosen for funding in FFY 2022 are summarized below in Table ES-2 and described in more detail in Chapter 4.
Table ES-1
Unified Planning Work Program Budget for FFY 2022
| 3C Studies and Programs by Budget Categories | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| Resource Management and Support Activities | $500,000 |
| MPO Certification Requirements | $2,867,985 |
| Continuing MPO-Funded Planning Studies and Technical Analyses | $304,500 |
| New MPO-Funded Discrete Studies | $600,000 |
| MassDOT-Directed PL Funds* | $271,505 |
| Direct Support | $117,000 |
| Total for CTPS 3C Studies and Programs | $4,660,990 |
| Agency-Funded CTPS Work | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| MassDOT SPR Funds | $586,600 |
| MassDOT Other Funds | $455,000 |
| MBTA Funds | $516,200 |
| Other | $80,000 |
| Total for Agency-Funded CTPS Project Work | $1,637,800 |
| Total FFY 2022 CTPS Budget (3C + Agency Work) | $6,298,790 |
Note: Budget figures include salary, overhead, and direct support.
*This project is conducted on behalf of MassDOT but funded through the MPO 3C contract.
| 3C Studies and Programs by MAPC Budget Categories |
Proposed FFY 2022 MAPC Budget |
| MAPC Planning Studies and Technical Analyses | $590,988 |
| MAPC Administration, Resource Management, and Support Activities | $457,000 |
| Total MAPC FFY 2021 UPWP Programmed Funds | $1,047,988 |
| Agency Supporting MPO/3C Work | Proposed FFY 2022 Budget |
| CTPS | $4,660,990 |
| MAPC | $1,047,988 |
| 3C Budget Subtotal | $5,708,978 |
| Agency-Funded CTPS Work | $1,637,800 |
| FFY 2022 UPWP Budget | $7,346,778 |
Table ES-2
New Discrete Funded Studies in FFY 2022
| Project ID | Study or Program | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| 13310 | Trip Generation Follow-Up | $20,000 |
| 13311 | Travel Demand Management Follow-Up | $10,000 |
| 13312 | COVID-19 Recovery Research and Technical Assistance | $10,000 |
| 13422 | Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways | $133,000 |
| 13522 | Addressing Priority Corridors from the LRTP Needs Assessment | $145,000 |
| 13722 | Safety and Operations at Selected Intersections | $82,000 |
| 13313 | The Future of the Curb Phase 3 | $70,000 |
| 13314 | Addressing Equity and Access in the Blue Hills | $40,000 |
| 13315 | Identifying Transportation Inequities in the Boston Region | $70,000 |
| 20906 | Staff-Generated Research and Technical Assistance | $20,000 |
| Total for New Discrete and Recurring Studies | $600,000 |
The annual process of creating the UPWP includes both generating and evaluating ideas for new studies, as well as updating the scopes and anticipated deliverables for ongoing technical analysis activities, certification requirements, and administrative support activities.
Ideas for new studies come from a combination of the following resources:
Ideas for new studies are compiled into the Universe of Proposed Studies. Each proposal is evaluated based on how it would help the region accomplish the LRTP goals. In selecting the final list of studies, the UPWP Committee also considers the utility of the projected study results to MPO stakeholders; whether sufficient staff resources are available to execute the needed work; and whether the work to be carried out is coordinated rather than redundant with work being done in other agencies.
The MPO continually seeks to improve its process through inclusive and collaborative decision-making. For this reason, the MPO seeks to involve a broad and diverse range of stakeholders throughout the UPWP development process.
The MPO staff will continue to seek public input for ideas for the Universe of Proposed New Studies and engage participants in discussing, evaluating, and eventually prioritizing studies for inclusion in the UPWP. Staff also continue to monitor and enhance the MPO’s communication channels, such as those documented below.
Feedback from public outreach forms a significant part of the input into the UPWP every year. Towards the end of every UPWP development process, the MPO votes to release for public review a draft document that describes ongoing work, new studies, and financial information. Then the MPO invites the public to comment on the Draft UPWP. The MPO staff posts the document for downloading via the MPO’s website (www.bostonmpo.org) and publicizes its release via an email distribution list that includes municipal contacts, interested members of the public, and other stakeholders in the region and social media. Email messages inform these contacts about upcoming opportunities for public comment and involvement in MPO decision-making, and for announcing other events sponsored or held by the MPO. The MPO staff also solicit public input during CTPS open house and at public events hosted by the MPO or its transportation partners (including MassDOT and the MBTA). The MPO staff compiles all of the comments made during this public review period and presents them to the MPO board.
Information about the public review process for the Draft FFY 2022 UPWP is provided in Appendix B.
The MPO monitors the progress of studies funded through the UPWP by performing the following tasks:
This UPWP document is structured as follows:
Decisions about how to allocate transportation funds in a metropolitan area are guided by information and ideas gathered from a broad group of people, including elected officials, municipal planners and engineers, transportation advocates, and interested residents. Metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) are the bodies responsible for providing a forum for this decision-making process. Each metropolitan area in the United States with a population of 50,000 or more, also known as an urbanized area, is required by federal legislation to establish an MPO, which decides how to spend federal transportation funds for capital projects and planning studies for the area.
The federal government regulates the funding, planning, and operation of the surface transportation system through the federal transportation program, which was enacted into law through Titles 23 and 49 of the United States Code. Section 134 of Title 23 of the Federal Aid Highway Act, as amended, and Section 5303 of Title 49 of the Federal Transit Act, as amended, require that urbanized areas conduct a transportation planning process, resulting in plans and programs consistent with the planning objectives of the metropolitan area, in order to be eligible for federal funds.
The most recent reauthorization of the surface transportation law is the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The FAST Act sets policies related to metropolitan transportation planning. The law requires that all MPOs carry out a continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative (3C) transportation planning process.
The Boston Region MPO is responsible for carrying out the 3C planning process in the Boston region. The MPO has established the following objectives for the process:
More information about the federal, state, and regional guidance governing the transportation planning process, and about the regulatory framework in which the MPO operates can be found in Appendix E.
The Boston Region MPO’s planning area extends across 97 cities and towns from Boston north to Ipswich, south to Marshfield, and west to Interstate 495.
Figure 1-1 shows the map of the Boston Region MPO’s member municipalities.
Figure 1-1: Municipalities in the Boston Region
The MPO’s board comprises 22 voting members. Several state agencies, regional organizations, and the City of Boston are permanent voting members, while 12 municipalities are elected as voting members for three-year terms. Eight municipal members represent each of the eight subregions of the Boston region, and there are four at-large municipal seats. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) participate on the MPO board as advisory (nonvoting) members. More details about the MPO’s permanent members can be found in Appendix F.
Figure 1-2 shows MPO membership and the organization of the Central Transportation Planning Staff, which serves as staff to the MPO.
Figure 1-2: Boston Region MPO Organizational Chart
The following paragraph is the MPO’s central vision statement, as adopted in Destination 2040, the MPO’s current Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
The Boston Region MPO envisions a modern, well-maintained transportation system that supports a sustainable, healthy, livable, and economically vibrant region. To achieve this vision, the transportation system must be safe and resilient; incorporate emerging technologies; and provide equitable access, excellent mobility, and varied transportation options.
This vision statement takes into consideration the significant public input received during the drafting of the Needs Assessment for Destination 2040. This statement also reflects the MPO’s desire to add emphasis to the maintenance and resilience of the transportation system while supporting the MPO’s six core goals: Safety, System Preservation and Modernization, Capacity Management and Mobility, Clean Air and Sustainable Communities, Transportation Equity, and Economic Vitality. More information on the MPO’s vision, goals, and objectives for the transportation system is available in Figure 1-3 below.
As part of its 3C process, the Boston Region MPO annually produces the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). These documents, along with the quadrennial LRTP, are referred to as certification documents and are required for the federal government to certify the MPO’s planning process. This federal certification is a prerequisite for the MPO to receive federal transportation funds. In addition to the requirement to produce the LRTP, TIP, and UPWP, the MPO must establish and conduct an inclusive public participation process, and maintain transportation models and data resources to support air quality conformity determinations and long- and short-range planning work and initiatives.
The following is a summary of each of the certification documents.
Figure 1-3: LRTP Goals and Objectives
Central Vision Statement
The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization envisions a modern, well-maintained transportation system that supports a sustainable, healthy, livable, and economically vibrant region. To achieve this vision, the transportation system must be safe and resilient; incorporate emerging technologies; and provide equitable access, excellent mobility, and varied transportation options.
| Goals | Objectives |
SAFETY: Transportation by all modes will be safe |
|
SYSTEM PRESERVATION: Maintain and modernize the transportation system and plan for its resiliency |
|
CAPACITY MANAGEMENT AND MOBILITY: Use existing facility capacity more efficiently and increase transportation options |
|
TRANSPORTATION EQUITY: Ensure that all people receive comparable benefits from, and are not disproportionately burdened by, MPO investments, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, income, ability, or sex |
|
CLEAN AIR/SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: Create an environmentally friendly transportation system |
|
ECONOMIC VITALITY: Ensure our transportation network provides a strong foundation for economic vitality |
|
Figure 1-4 depicts the relationship between the three certification documents and the MPO’s performance-based planning and programming process, which is a means to monitor progress towards the MPO’s goals and to evaluate the MPO’s approach to achieving those goals.
Figure 1-4: Relationship between the LRTP, TIP, UPWP, and Performance-Based Planning Process
This chapter explains the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and its connection to the overall regional transportation vision developed in the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). As outlined in Chapter 1, the UPWP plays an integral part of achieving the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) vision and mandate by documenting the federal funding that will be spent on surface transportation studies and work programs in the Boston region during a given federal fiscal year (FFY). This plan also serves as the basis for financing the ongoing work of the staff to the Boston Region MPO.
The UPWP is a financial plan that the MPO produces annually in compliance with the federally mandated continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (3C) metropolitan planning process described in Chapter 1.
As the basis for transportation planning at the Boston Region MPO, the UPWP prioritizes federal funding for transportation planning work that will be implemented in the 97-municipality area of the Boston region. The Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) or the staff of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) conduct this work (CTPS is the staff of the MPO and MAPC is Boston’s regional planning agency). This work primarily consists of the following four parts.
Certification Requirements and Other MPO Support Activities. The UPWP includes activities that the federal government requires the MPO to conduct to remain certified as an MPO and be eligible to receive and distribute federal transportation dollars. Work in this category includes preparing federally required plans such as the LRTP and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The LRTP allocates funding for transportation construction projects and programs over a 20-year period, while the TIP allocates funding for the implementation of projects during the next five years. This category also includes air quality conformity and transportation equity-related compliance and other planning activities associated with the LRTP and TIP. In addition, the UPWP programs the MPO’s public participation activities, including support to the Regional Transportation Advisory Council (Advisory Council) and support to meetings of the MPO and its committees.
The UPWP also funds other activities that support MPO planning and certification requirements, including graphics and editing support; managing data and computer resources; and maintaining the MPO’s regional travel demand model, which is used to forecast the potential impacts that changes to the transportation system will have on traffic congestion and transit ridership. See Chapters 3 and 6 for more detail about these areas of work.
Ongoing/Continuing Work Programs. Ongoing and continuing work programs support technical analyses and planning studies for cities and towns in the region. Examples of these programs include Bicycle and Pedestrian Support Activities, Regional Transit Service Planning Technical Support, and Community Transportation Technical Assistance. See Chapter 4 for more detail about these programs.
New Studies. Every year, funds are available for the MPO staff to perform new studies. CTPS conducts these activities to enhance staff’s and the MPO’s knowledge of transportation planning practices, augment analytical methods, and evaluate strategies. Examples of these studies in the FFY 2022 UPWP include Addressing Equity and Access in the Blue Hills and Identifying Transportation Inequities in the Boston Region. See Chapter 4 for more detail about these new studies.
Agency Studies and Technical Analyses. CTPS conducts planning analyses and studies funded by state transportation agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and the Massachusetts Port Authority. See Chapter 5 for more details on these agency-funded studies.
MPO staff produces the UPWP each year under the supervision and guidance of the MPO’s UPWP Committee. The UPWP Committee, supported by MPO staff, convened 10 times in FFY 2021 to consider and provide input on the UPWP development process. Discussion included the following topics:
These meetings resulted in the committee’s recommendation for the Draft FFY 2022 UPWP. The MPO approved the UPWP Committee’s recommendations for public review of the Draft FFY 2022 UPWP on July 15, 2021.
Below are details about the process for selecting studies and programs for the FFY 2022 UPWP.
To develop new planning studies for the FFY 2022 UPWP, the MPO drew from the following sources to generate a listing known as the Universe of Proposed New Studies (see Appendix C) for evaluation by MPO staff and the MPO’s UPWP Committee.
MPO staff works continuously to enhance public participation in the UPWP and other MPO activities, and strives to achieve continued improvements in the volume, diversity, and quality of public input. More information about the MPO’s public outreach process is available in Chapter 3, and at www.bostonmpo.org/public_involvement.
MPO staff evaluated each new proposal in the Universe of Proposed New Studies based on how it helps the region accomplish the MPO’s goals as laid out in the LRTP; whether staff has the capacity to carry it out; and a variety of other factors.
In addition to conducting the study evaluation process, MPO staff defined general scopes and estimated costs for proposed planning studies and considered potentially feasible issues to study. Staff considered these factors with input from the public, MPO members, and partner agencies, along with the availability of funds for new studies, when identifying a recommended set of new proposed planning studies for review by the UPWP committee.
Table 2-1 shows the studies in the FFY 2022 universe that were selected for funding in FFY 2022. Chapter 4 provides detailed descriptions of these studies.
Table 2-1
FFY 2022 New Discrete Funded Studies
| Project ID | Study or Program | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| 13310 | Trip Generation Follow-Up | $20,000 |
| 13311 | Travel Demand Management Follow-Up | $10,000 |
| 13312 | COVID-19 Recovery Research and Technical Assistance | $10,000 |
| 13422 | Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways | $133,000 |
| 13522 | Addressing Priority Corridors from the LRTP Needs Assessment | $145,000 |
| 13722 | Safety and Operations at Selected Intersections | $82,000 |
| 13313 | The Future of the Curb Phase 3 | $70,000 |
| 13314 | Addressing Equity and Access in the Blue Hills | $40,000 |
| 13315 | Identifying Transportation Inequities in the Boston Region | $70,000 |
| 20906 | Staff-Generated Research and Technical Assistance | $20,000 |
| Total for New Discrete and Recurring Studies | $600,000 |
In addition to the process of selecting new discrete transportation planning studies, the MPO reviews activities for ongoing programs and work. MPO staff identifies and develops budgets for these continuing programs that will be carried out in the upcoming FFY. Staff proposes changes to the budget of any program resulting from revisions to planned activities.
Examples of ongoing and continuing activities comprise work that is required of the MPO, including certification requirements (see Chapter 3), ongoing technical assistance to municipalities (see Chapter 4), and resource management and support activities (see Chapter 6).
The annual study program review and budget development process defines the amount of 3C funding (from federal grants that support the 3C process) that is available for new studies in the UPWP. After accounting for 3C-funded continuing and ongoing programs, the remaining funding is available for new studies.
MPO staff incorporates into the draft UPWP descriptive and financial information about ongoing and new UPWP studies, information about the UPWP development process, and other major transportation planning studies that will occur in the region during the relevant federal fiscal year. Appendix D provides an analysis of the distribution of UPWP-funded work products by subregion and municipality. Once the MPO votes to release the draft for public review, MPO staff posts the document to the MPO website (www.bostonmpo.org) and provides notice of its availability through various communication outlets.
As previously noted, public outreach forms a major part of the input to the UPWP each FFY. After the MPO approves the draft UPWP, there is a public comment period. During this time, MPO staff members solicit public input via the MPO email list, the MPO website, and social media outlets. Staff compiles all public comments received during this period and presents them to the MPO. Information about the public review process for the Draft FFY 2022 UPWP is available in Appendix B.
The UPWP also includes a list (Appendix A) of other federally funded and/or regionally significant transportation planning activities active in the region during the relevant FFY. These activities are not funded with the MPO’s planning funds, but may be funded and implemented by individual transportation agencies, municipalities, or academic institutions. Often, these efforts make use of the expertise and tools that CTPS is uniquely able to provide.
The MPO approved the following procedures for monitoring the studies in the FFY 2022 UPWP:
If necessary, MPO staff can make amendments and administrative modifications to the UPWP throughout the year. All 3C documents endorsed by MPOs, such as the TIP, LRTP, and the UPWP, must follow standardized procedures regarding amendments and/or administrative modifications. If an amendment is under consideration, MPO staff notifies the Advisory Council and other interested parties, including any affected communities. The MPO follows the procedures specified in the MPO’s Public Participation Plan.
The following are the guidelines regarding the conditions that constitute an amendment to the UPWP, as received from FHWA by MassDOT and the MPO in FFY 2021 for future UPWPs.
Amendments to the UPWP, defined as significant changes to the overall UPWP that require federal approval, include the following:
Administrative modifications to the UPWP, defined as minor adjustments to the overall UPWP that do not require federal approval, include the following:
Staff must present all proposed amendments and administrative modifications to the MPO for consultation prior to endorsement. The UPWP Committee will review both amendments and administrative modifications before forwarding them to the MPO. MPO members must vote to approve both amendments and administrative modifications. For amendments, the MPO will vote to release the amendment for a 21-day public comment period prior to an endorsement vote. Members of the public may attend and provide comments at UPWP committee meetings and MPO meetings at which amendments and administrative modifications are discussed. The MPO may make administrative modifications without a public review period at the MPO’s discretion, although information will be shared with MassDOT’s Office of Transportation Planning (OTP). When submitting the standard Budget Reallocation Request form to OTP, staff must fill out all fields with clear indication that the MPO was consulted prior to submission. Staff must submit back-up documentation, including the UPWP description of task(s) affected, original budget, revised budget, and justification for the request. Amendments will go into effect after approval by FHWA.
See Chapter 8 for detailed information about the UPWP budget.
The programs and activities described in this chapter are categorized as certification requirements because they include work that the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) must complete to fulfill the continuous, comprehensive, and cooperative (3C) process and to maintain its certification by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Several of these programs include activities that are necessary to comply with other federal and state laws, such as the federal Clean Air Act Amendments, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA).
The certification requirement activities serve to further the MPO operations and decision-making responsibilities. In addition, various programs described in this chapter directly relate to the MPO’s planning and programming activities, including the development of the regional Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Other activities described in this chapter support all other projects, studies, and programs contained in this Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) in compliance with the 3C planning process and planning regulations. These activities foster the implementation of MPO policies, federal planning factors and guidance, and all applicable orders and requirements.
Table 3-1 summarizes the ongoing programs conducted as part of the MPO’s certification requirements and related MPO support. The table presents the funding in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2021 and FFY 2022 and includes a brief description of the work, progress, and products for these ongoing programs. Although many of these programs generally comprise the same type of task from year to year, often there are variations in budgets that reflect greater or lesser emphasis in certain efforts or tasks. For example, MPO staff may undertake new or additional analyses under specific line items; expand or change the form of public outreach; fold tasks undertaken in one year into an ongoing activity in a subsequent year; take on a new initiative of the MPO; or experience fluctuations in staffing levels that account for budget changes. Where appropriate, the table and individual program descriptions explain these differences.
The budget tables that accompany each of the individual program descriptions in this chapter include the salary and overhead costs associated with these programs. In this chapter, the programs are grouped into two general activity areas: (1) programs that support the MPO and its 3C process (see the section on Support to the MPO and Its 3C Process) and (2) programs that support the 3C planning and programming activities (see the section on 3C Planning and Other Certification Requirements). Any direct costs associated with the projects are presented in Chapter 6 in the Direct Support budget table, under the Administration, Resource Management, and Support Activities section.
Table 3-1
FFY 2022 Certification Requirements
| Project Name | ID | FFY 2021 Funding |
FFY 2021 Work Progress and Products | FFY 2022 Funding | FFY 2022 Planned Work Progress and Products |
| Support to the MPO | blank | blank | blank | ||
| Support to the MPO and its Committees | 9122 | $229,920 | Continued support to the meetings and activities of the MPO board and its committees. Work entailed • Preparing meeting and information materials, including agendas, minutes, notices, document translations, memoranda, reports, correspondence, summaries, website content, maps, charts, illustrations, and other visual materials as needed to support MPO discussion and actions • Posting meeting materials in digital form on the MPO meeting calendar webpage and in hard copies that are provided at meetings • Hosting approximately 24 MPO meetings and 10 MPO subcommittee meetings, and performing the associated tasks and pre- and post-meeting logistics • Conducting activities to support compliance with federal requirements and guidance, including coordination with neighboring MPOs, MassDOT, and federal partners |
$240,000 | Tasks and work products generally remain the same from year to year, with variations to the level of effort based on the specific requests by the MPO and state and federal partners. Generally, the expected effort includes • Hosting approximately 24 MPO meetings and 10 MPO subcommittee meetings, and performing the associated tasks and pre- and post-meeting logistics • Coordinating 3C planning and programming activities and programs • Coordinating with state and federal partners • Coordinating with neighboring MPOs |
| Regional Transportation Advisory Council Support | 9322 | $45,960 | Continued support to the Advisory Council. Tasks generally consist of organizing and conducting the Advisory Council’s monthly meetings and annual field trip, including • Preparing and distributing informational materials, including documents posted on the MPO’s website and via email • Organizing and hosting virtual Advisory Council meetings and subcommittee meetings, as needed, in response to COVID-19 • Setting up audio/visual equipment for in-person meetings • Attending and recording meetings • Completing meeting follow-up activities, such as maintaining the information flow for members of the Advisory Council and the public, and preparing meeting minutes |
$40,000 | • Organizing and hosting approximately 11 Advisory Council meetings and several subcommittee meetings, as needed, and performing associated support tasks and pre- and post-meeting logistics • Conducting targeted outreach efforts to seek representation on the Advisory Council from organizations representing people with disabilities, people with low incomes, people who identify as a race other than white and/or who identify as Hispanic or Latino/a/x, people with limited English proficiency, young people, and older adults |
| Public Participation Process | 9622 | $182,290 | • Supported the MPO’s commitment to engage the people of the Boston region in regional transportation planning, including residents of communities that may have been underserved by the transportation system • Communicated about the MPO’s meetings and planning activities via the web, emails, newsletters, blog posts, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn • Engaged the public through virtual outreach events, MAPC subregional meetings, virtual meetings with stakeholder organizations, focus groups, and web-based surveys and other digital communications • Conveyed public comments and input to MPO members about MPO programs and processes |
$180,000 | • Continue support of the MPO’s commitment to inclusion through timely communications and engagement opportunities • Gather input and feedback on the MPO’s various certification documents, projects, and other processes • Publish TransReport articles and other digital communications • Create a new Public Outreach Plan • Provide translations of outreach materials in non-English languages as specified in the MPO’s LAP |
| General Graphics | 9222 | $85,290 | Provided graphics support to the MPO and its member agencies. This includes • Designing and producing maps, charts, illustrations, report covers, brochures, slides, and photographs • Applying other visualization techniques • Creating other products that improve communication |
$93,800 | Tasks and work products generally remain the same from year to year, although the level of effort varies based on the specific work products and reports that the MPO produces each year. |
| Provision of Materials in Accessible Formats | 3122 | $102,040 | Supported the MPO and CTPS in • Producing accessible materials in PDF and HTML formats for posting on the Boston Region MPO website • Assisting in producing materials, including meeting minutes, work scopes, memoranda, reports, and other public materials • Reviewing accessibility requirements and current CTPS standards and processes • Implementing standards within memorandum and report templates |
$120,685 | Tasks and work products generally remain the same from year to year, although the level of effort varies based on the specific work products and reports that the MPO produces each year that need to be converted into accessible formats. |
| Professional Development | 9522 | $52,720 | Covered the labor expenses of staff attending conferences and seminars related to MPO work |
$64,500 | Cover the labor expenses of staff attending conferences and seminars related to MPO work. |
| 3C Planning and Other Certification Requirements | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank |
| Long-Range Transportation Plan | 8122 | $324,120 | • Continued implementation of Destination 2040, the LRTP adopted in August 2019. This included research on new investment programs and initiatives outlined in the LRTP. Specifically, research continued on resiliency of the transportation system and coordination with state and local agencies on ongoing resiliency initiatives. Established new guidelines for the LRTP Major Infrastructure Program, which is now being implemented in the TIP • Started exploring scenarios by coordinating with staff on the discreet study Informing the Big Ideas for the MPO’s Scenario Planning. Staff is preparing the travel demand model in preparation of scenario runs to start in FY 2022. This study and model and off-model analyses will help the MPO in its decision-making for the next LRTP • Incorporated information from outreach on the transportation needs throughout the region into the LRTP Needs Assessment • Coordinated with staff and MPO members on the revisions of criteria to be used in project selection for the LRTP and the TIP • Started work on updating and revising the MPO's webpage for the LRTP to be adopted in 2023 |
$326,000 | • Continue to implement the LRTP through its investment programs • Start analyzing scenarios that have been vetted by the MPO • Continue to explore additional scenarios that will help the MPO in its decision-making for the next LRTP • Continue to update the LRTP Needs Assessment • Begin coordination with the state and MPOs on demographic projections to be used in the next LRTP • Continue to develop the website to present information from outreach and scenario planning • Develop an LRTP Amendment if needed |
| Transportation Improvement Program | 8222 | $278,890 | • Developed the FFYs 2022–26 TIP • Administered amendments to the FFYs 2021–25 TIP • Conducted outreach to municipalities, TIP contacts, and subregional groups about TIP development and specific TIP projects, both funded and being considered for funding • Coordinated with MassDOT Highway District offices, MassDOT's Office of Transportation Planning, and MPO members on TIP projects, TIP amendments, and the TIP process • Continued updating the public-facing TIP project web application • Implemented the FFY 2020 revisions to the TIP project selection criteria through the creation of new scoring methodologies and other supporting materials • Supported MPO policy development on project cost changes and other TIP programming issues |
$274,000 | Activities generally remain the same year to year, with staff supporting the MPO in developing its five-year (FFYs 2023–27) TIP. FFY 2022 work will also focus on • Continuing to refine the public-facing TIP web application and the internal TIP project database to reflect evolving MPO needs on project cost tracking and related concerns • Enhancing outreach to municipalities and TIP contacts to communicate the changes to TIP programming policies • Sourcing projects to fund through the TIP within the LRTP's new investment programs, including transit modernization, dedicated bus lane, and resiliency projects • Making further improvements to the TIP development process to make it clearer and more engaging for municipal stakeholders, MPO members, and the public • Continuing to report on the progress of the MPO's PBPP program |
| Performance-Based Planning and Programming | 8822 | $153,570 | • Conducted analysis, made presentations, and developed documents to help the MPO set or update targets for federally required roadway safety, transit safety, and transit asset management performance measures • Coordinated with MassDOT, the MBTA, CATA, MWRTA, FHWA, and other stakeholders on target-setting and other PBPP topics • Analyzed project-level data, supported TIP programming scenario development, and created a performance report for the FFYs 2022–26 TIP • Monitored federal guidance and identified ways to integrate PBPP into MPO processes, including TIP and LRTP development • Advised on updates to MPO project selection criteria • Updated data and content in the MPO's Performance Dashboard and on the PBPP page of the MPO website • Explored software applications to support performance-management and target setting. • Attended conferences to learn ways to expand the MPO's PBPP practice, including to support scenario planning • Presented on PBPP topics to regional stakeholders |
$125,000 | • Support the MPO in setting targets for federally required measures and other measures, as requested. Analyze data and prepare related presentations, memoranda, and other supporting documents and materials • Produce or update performance reports, such as the performance report included in the TIP, and tools, such as the MPO’s Performance Dashboard • Work with fellow staff, the MPO, and other stakeholders to more closely link MPO investment processes to performance outcomes. Produce memoranda and presentations describing related recommendations • Explore other measures and methods that the MPO could incorporate into its PBPP process, as well as tools the MPO can apply to PBPP work • Coordinate with MPO program managers, MPO board members, MassDOT, the region’s public transportation providers, other states and MPOs, federal agencies, and other partners to research measures, identify investment strategies, set targets, and otherwise implement PBPP practices |
| Air Quality Conformity and Support | 8422 | $34,690 | • Updated inputs for the new MOVES 3 model and ran that model for emission factors to be used for air quality analyses of transportation projects • Performed system-level and project-level air quality analysis for conformity with Federal and State Requirements for the LRTP and TIP • Supported MPO's climate change initiatives • Trained staff to run the new MOVES 3 model |
$25,500 | • Continue to work with state and local agencies in developing additional emission factors as needed for transportation project analyses • Perform system-level and project-level air quality analysis for the TIP and any required LRTP Amendments • Continue to support the MPO's climate change initiatives |
| Unified Planning Work Program | 8322 | $127,480 | • Developed the FFY 2021 UPWP • Conducted outreach to municipalities and other stakeholders in the region through MAPC subregional meetings, digital communications, and conversations with agencies to develop study ideas for the UPWP • Conducted outreach to advocacy and policy groups and interested citizens to gauge needs and collect study ideas for the FFY 2021 UPWP and beyond • Discussed UPWP matters with Advisory Council, including development of study ideas for the UPWP and education about the UPWP products and process • Maintained the UPWP Study Recommendations Tracking Database • Held internal discussions on potential future changes to the UPWP process and document |
$116,000 | Activities generally remain the same year to year, with staff supporting the MPO in producing its annual (FFY 2023) UPWP. A potential point of emphasis in FFY 2023 may be developing an interactive online interface documenting past and current transportation studies in and around the Boston region. |
| Transportation Equity Program | 8522 | $174,100 | • Finalized DI/DB Policy for the LRTP • Supported the MPO’s public participation program in outreach to and engagement with Title VI, EJ, and other nondiscrimination populations • Provided technical support to the LRTP, TIP, and MPO-guided studies • Finalized proposals for revisions to the equity criteria for TIP project selection • Provided public outreach support for revisions to the TIP project selection criteria • Began revising metrics analyzed in the LRTP DI/DB analysis • Updated the MPO's LAP • Explored the creation a new transportation equity task force at the MPO |
$139,000 | Activities generally remain the same year to year. New activities will include completing a Triennial Title VI annual or triennial report, pursuing the creation of a transportation equity task force at the MPO, and supporting the LRTP Needs Assessment and Scenario Planning for the LRTP. |
| Congestion Management Process | 2122 | $118,240 | • Monitored the performance of the MPO Region's arterial roadways and freeways using electronic travel-time and speed data • Mapped and tabulated electronic data for analysis and performance evaluation • Coordinated and supported the MPO's programs and documents (LRTP, PBPP, TIP, and UPWP) • Supported the MPO's CMP committee |
100500 | • Monitor the performance of MPO-region arterial roadways and freeways using electronic travel-time and speed data • Map and tabulate electronic data for analysis and performance evaluation • Monitor the performance of the MBTA Park-and-Ride Lots • Coordinate with and support the MPO's programs and documents (LRTP, TIP, PBPP, and UPWP) • Support the MPO's CMP committee |
| Freight Planning Support | 2222 | $68,340 | • Published a study on truck issues at South Bay in Boston • Supported MassDOT data needs for Bypass Road management • Conducted required MPO freight planning • Provided data and analysis in support of advanced model implementation |
$65,000 | • Publish a topical truck study • Support stakeholder freight-related analytical or planning needs • Conduct required MPO freight planning • Provide data and analysis in support of advanced model implementation |
| Regional Model Enhancement | 7122 | $875,370 | • Initiated a steering committee with CTPS, MAPC, and OTP members to guide maintenance priorities, development of the next generation model for the 2023 LRTP, and definition of other modeling tools • Evaluated the 2020 census data boundaries and identified strategies and tradeoffs to update TAZ geographies • Defined 2023 LRTP travel demand model (TDM23) high-level requirements and conceptual design • Conducted research into data products, code development standards, and model structures for TDM23. • Maintained and enhanced the trip-based regional travel demand model |
$840,000 | • Develop land use, transit, and highway networks for a 2019 model base year • Develop validation datasets for a 2019 model base year • Complete development, validation, training and support of trip-based regional travel demand model for the 2023 LRTP (TDM23) • Adoption of TDM23 features for current trip-based travel demand model for near-term applications • Continue engagement with model steering committee and broader set of stakeholders to promote understanding of model capabilities and limitations and stakeholder needs |
| Research Next Generation Data and Tools | 7122 | $57,790 | • Evaluated MAPC's EMMA model for MPO application | $57,000 | • Understand data sets better for use in the MPO’s technical analysis • Review tools for planning application • Develop a strategic plan regarding how CTPS manages, processes, and shares data |
| Transit Working Group Support | 8922 | $64,120 | • Hosted four working group meetings and a series of small discussion groups, and managed pre- and post-meeting communications and logistics • Updated the MPO about Transit Working Group activities • Summarized meeting discussions • Supported outreach and communications about the MBTA's Forging Ahead process • Researched topics and issues that may be relevant to future Transit Working Group meetings |
$50,000 | • Host a series of working group meetings, manage pre- and post-meeting logistics • Develop materials and resources to support working group meeting and activities, as needed • Provide updates to the MPO about the transit working group • Support communication for and about the group using email, social media, and the MPO website • Prepare documentation about pilot working group meetings, activities, and participant feedback for the MPO |
| MPO Resilience Program | TBD | n/a | n/a; program new in FFY 2022 | $11,000 | • Coordinate and inventory climate resiliency activities in the MPO region • Coordinate and collaborate with other entities conducting resilience work • Participate on resiliency-focused groups at the state, local, and regional level • Pursue educational opportunities to gain subject-matter expertise • Conduct monthly internal Resiliency Committee meetings |
These programs provide staff support to the MPO, its committees, and the Regional Transportation Advisory Council (Advisory Council). Other aspects of the work involve the MPO’s external communications and public engagement activities. These activities are described in the following work program efforts.
Other programs that support 3C planning and programming activities are described in Chapter 4.
Project ID Number |
9122 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$240,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
Support to the MPO and its committees includes implementing MPO policies, planning and coordinating delivery of information for MPO decision-making, and supporting the operation of the MPO and its committees. It involves providing support for MPO meeting management and agenda planning.
MPO staff will perform the following tasks related to MPO board and committee meetings.
Technical and process support is provided to the MPO’s UPWP Committee, Administration and Finance (A&F) Committee, Congestion Management Process (CMP) Committee, and other ad hoc committees. The identified committees of the MPO conduct their work as follows.
MPO support also includes conducting metropolitan transportation planning for the MPO. The goal of this work is to ensure compliance with federal requirements and to provide excellence in transportation planning processes, techniques, and outcomes. The work involves researching, analyzing, and reporting information on 3C planning topics, responding to federal recommendations, and incorporating new requirements into the MPO’s 3C program. MPO staff will continue to implement Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act requirements (see Chapter 2 and Appendix E) as guidance is communicated to the MPO, and staff will be prepared to implement future legislation. Staff also participates in training to support compliance with federal requirements and guidance. Staff will support updates to governing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Boston MPO and partner agencies when necessary.
This effort also includes collaboration with other entities involved in 3C planning activities, other Massachusetts MPOs (particularly those in the Boston region urbanized area), and Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) subregional municipal groups.
Other activities include overseeing 3C program-related activities, collecting and fielding comments and inquiries, and responding to requests for information and support.
Project ID Number |
9322 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$40,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The Advisory Council is the MPO’s public advisory committee. MPO staff provides operations support to this body and its subcommittees. This includes planning programs and meetings; scheduling speakers; and preparing and distributing agendas, meeting notices, informational packets, and meeting minutes. It also includes helping to facilitate meetings; attending and making presentations at meetings; organizing and conducting field trips; soliciting new members; implementing and updating the bylaws; coordinating other activities, such as Advisory Council elections; and maintaining contact lists.
MPO staff regularly provides information, updates, and briefings on MPO activities, studies, and reports; requests and coordinates comments on MPO documents; and works with the Advisory Council and its committees as they conduct their programs, planning, and reviews.
Project ID Number |
9622 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$180,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
Public participation is one of the six core functions of an MPO. The Boston Region MPO’s vision for public participation in the region is “to hear, value, and consider—throughout its planning and programming work—the views of and feedback from the full spectrum of the public, and use this input in its decision making.”
Staff coordinates public participation efforts with the MPO’s Transportation Equity (TE) Program to reach organizations that serve populations covered by federal and state regulations and ensure that people from these populations have meaningful opportunities to participate in the MPO’s planning process. These populations include people who are protected by federal mandates—people who identify as minority, have a low income, have limited English proficiency (LEP), are 75 years old or older or 17 years old or younger, or have a disability.
MPO staff implements the MPO’s Public Participation Process according to the MPO’s Public Participation Plan (PPP). The process includes coordinating and implementing the MPO’s public outreach activities, via communications and engagement efforts. This process, which supplements the involvement of the Advisory Council, provides information to various parties and collects input from them for MPO use in planning and decision-making, and in developing certification documents. During FFY 2022, staff will publish a new Public Outreach Plan that reflects current practices and goals for future enhancements to the Public Outreach process. This will include updates on virtual engagement and will be paired with a Public Outreach Guidebook.
MPO staff aims to make it easy to access the information required to understand, follow, and engage in the MPO’s transportation planning and decision-making. Staff will use in-person and virtual meetings, printed materials, and digital tools, such as website content, emails, social media, and blog posts, for external communications.
Through the MPO’s Public Participation Process, staff work to provide opportunities for members of the public to participate in transportation planning and to ensure that everyone’s voice may be heard, valued, and considered. These opportunities include the following:
MPO staff will continue to explore and refine the Public Participation Process to increase public understanding of the MPO’s work and its efforts to break down barriers to participation.
In accordance with the MPO’s Language Assistance Plan (LAP), The Public Participation Process also supports the MPO’s federally required efforts to provide language access (both interpreter and translation services) at all MPO-sponsored meetings, as well as outreach events as necessary. (Translation and interpreter services are funded as a direct cost.) As public outreach is a critical avenue for members of the public to be involved in and benefit from MPO activities, staff provide translations of outreach documents, emails, the MPO website, and other materials that allow for participation that is comparable to those with English language fluency. (See the LAP for information about the specific documents the MPO provides translations for.) Translations are provided in the six most commonly spoken non-English languages in the MPO region. Updates to the MPO’s LAP (funded under the TE Program) will be reflected in translation and interpreter services provided for public outreach efforts.
Project ID Number |
9222 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$93,800 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
MPO staff will provide graphics support to the MPO and its member agencies. This includes designing and producing maps, charts, illustrations, report covers, brochures, slides, and photographs; applying other visualization techniques; and creating other products that improve communication.
Project ID Number |
3122 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$120,685 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The MPO conducts its transportation planning activities and public outreach process in accordance with ADA, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended in 1998, and other policies and regulations governing accessibility standards. Adherence to these policies and regulations enhance public outreach and engagement because more stakeholders in the region can access MPO informational materials and reports.
In support of these standards, the MPO produces written and electronic materials in accessible formats. The MPO also maintains a library of document templates that incorporate accessibility guidelines and standards. To ensure web access for people with low or no vision who use screen readers, all documents are posted to the MPO website and meeting calendar in both PDF and HTML formats. In addition, the MPO makes every effort to make data presented in tables fully navigable by a screen reader and provides alternative text to describe tables, figures, and images that cannot be read by a screen reader.
Project ID Number |
9522 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$64,500 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
MPO staff maintains its technical expertise in part by participating in courses, programs, and workshops offered by FHWA, the FTA, the Transportation Research Board, the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, and other public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Previous professional development endeavors have related to topics such as performance-based planning, traffic engineering issues and applications, regional modeling, bicycle/pedestrian issues, transit planning, public involvement, environmental justice, air quality, computer operations and maintenance, database applications, and other areas related to the provision of technical support services.
Staff will attend conferences, peer exchanges, trainings, and other enrichment and professional advancement opportunities.
These programs produce the core documents and work products that the MPO’s federal partners require and are the center of the MPO’s transportation planning work. These programs cover budgeting, planning, capital programming, and performance management, among other topics, and include the following programs:
Project ID Number |
8122 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$326,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
Under federal transportation funding legislation, a new LRTP must be produced every four years. The LRTP guides transportation system investments for the Boston metropolitan region for at least the next 20 years. The MPO adopted its most recent LRTP, Destination 2040, in August 2019. This LRTP serves as the Boston Region MPO’s guiding document: it establishes regional goals and objectives that the MPO will use for future decision-making until September 30, 2023.
Although the latest quadrennial LRTP document was endorsed in FFY 2019, the MPO’s 3C planning process—including its long-range planning activities—is ongoing. The MPO’s robust LRTP development program helps meet the federal FAST Act requirements, which include keeping abreast of current state-of-the-practice planning tools and approaches and coordinating planning efforts with other regional and state transportation plans and programs. This program also supports scenario planning to generate data for decision-making.
The Needs Assessment has become a foundational resource for the MPO’s transportation planning work. In FFY 2019, staff updated the Needs Assessment for use in developing Destination 2040; it is available to the public via the Needs Assessment document and application on the MPO’s website. In FFYs 2020 and 2021, staff continued to update the Needs Assessment with new information, particularly information on the resiliency of the transportation network.
In FFY 2022, staff will continue to update the Needs Assessment with new information as it becomes available. Staff will also perform further analyses to keep the Needs Assessment current and will use this information for future studies, reports, and deliberations. The updated information will also be made available to the public via the website.
Data from the Needs Assessment will support these other LRTP activities in FFY 2022:
The Needs Assessment will also support other MPO work. For example, it may provide data that the MPO can use to select corridor study locations or monitor regional transportation performance.
The MPO has an ongoing practice of using model-based planning tools and off-model processes to generate forecasts and information about regional conditions and future needs. These tools will be used to assess the effects of potential options for changes to the transportation network. The MPO will use this information to make policy and capital-investment decisions.
Throughout the year, MPO staff will seek to identify one or more opportunities to explore options and compare various alternative scenarios to understand effects on transportation, air quality, climate change, mode shift, the economy, and land use. Some of this work also may explore policy-related implications. In this way, the LRTP program serves as an ongoing resource for current information, insights, and analysis for all those involved in managing and improving the regional transportation network.
In developing the next LRTP, staff will research, plan, coordinate with interested parties, and review the priorities of the MPO and other state and regional agencies. Through updating the Needs Assessment and scenario planning, MPO staff will generate information that will guide the investment strategies for the next LRTP.
The LRTP program plays an important role in keeping the MPO abreast of current state-of-the-practice communications methods, planning tools, and approaches. In collaboration with MAPC, the MPO staff will explore effective ways to gather information, understand the needs of the Boston region, and analyze transportation and land-use options. As part of FFY 2022 work activities, staff will research the best practices in metropolitan transportation planning and other facets of planning.
If any changes are made to regionally significant projects in the FFYs 2022–26 TIP, an amendment to the LRTP might be required. Staff will prepare the informational materials for MPO decision-making and follow MPO procedures for informing and involving the public.
Project ID Number |
8222 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$274,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The Boston Region MPO’s TIP represents a five-year, financially constrained program of planned investments in the metropolitan area’s transportation system. Although federal regulations require that the TIP be updated every four years, Massachusetts and its MPOs are committed to producing annual updates.
MPO staff conducts outreach to municipalities and TIP contacts; collects TIP project-funding requests; evaluates and scores proposed new projects; updates the scores of previously scored unprogrammed projects (as needed); proposes programming of current and new projects based on anticipated funding levels; supports the MPO in its decision-making about programming those funds; develops a draft document; and facilitates public review of the draft document before the MPO endorses the final TIP.
MPO staff communicates with the cities and towns in the region through TIP conference calls, MAPC subregional meetings with municipalities, and correspondence with municipal TIP contacts and elected officials to gather information on existing and new TIP project-funding requests. MPO staff compiles the projects into a Universe of Projects list for consideration by the MPO.
The MPO uses TIP project evaluation criteria to identify projects that will help the region attain the vision, goals, and objectives established by the LRTP. The MPO’s evaluation criteria support decision-making for the programming of transportation projects in the region by establishing a transparent, inclusive, and data-driven process through which funds are allocated.
In coordination with the development and endorsement of the current LRTP, Destination 2040, staff examined the TIP evaluation criteria and revised them to continue to align the TIP process with LRTP goals and objectives as well as state-of-the-practice transportation project metrics. These new criteria were implemented for the FFYs 2022–26 TIP.
MPO staff develops a recommendation that proposes how to prioritize the MPO’s Regional Target funding. Staff prepares a list of projects containing the evaluation scores and project-readiness information. Staff then develops programming recommendations that include a selection of these projects while considering the geographic distribution of investments across the region, project design status, LRTP-identified needs, and cost.
In addition to preparing a recommendation for regionally prioritized projects, MPO staff prepares and presents Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) state-prioritized projects and the capital programs for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), the Cape Ann Transportation Authority, and the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority for the MPO’s consideration.
MPO staff prepares a draft TIP that maintains compliance with federal regulations and requirements for a public review and comment period. During the public comment period, staff compiles and summarizes comments on the draft TIP and relays the comments to the MPO for consideration before endorsing the final TIP document.
In a typical year, various projects experience cost or schedule changes that require an amendment or administrative modification to the TIP. MPO staff manages all public review processes regarding TIP amendments and administrative modifications, including posting TIP materials on the MPO website.
Staff will prepare for the possibility of implementing several amendments and/or administrative modifications to the FFYs 2022–26 TIP during FFY 2022.
For more information about the TIP development process or the administrative modifications and amendments procedures, refer to Chapter 2 of the TIP, available online at www.bostonmpo.org/tip.
The FFYs 2023–27 TIP document will continue to report on the MPO’s implementation of its performance-based planning program. The TIP will highlight the results of monitoring trends in the region and will note any progress made toward established performance targets.
Project ID Number |
8822 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$125,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
PBPP applies data to inform decisions aimed at helping to achieve desired outcomes for the region’s multimodal transportation system. The PBPP process involves the following tasks:
The FAST Act directs states, public transportation providers, and MPOs to use this performance-driven, outcome-based approach in their transportation planning processes. The Boston Region MPO can also use PBPP practices to help achieve its goals and objectives.
The MPO is already applying PBPP principles when making investment decisions as part of the LRTP, TIP, and UPWP development processes, and it is already responding to federal PBPP requirements. In recent years, the MPO established or updated performance targets for several sets of federally required performance areas, including but not limited to roadway safety, National Highway System (NHS) bridge and pavement condition, NHS reliability, and transit asset management. MPO staff continue to examine the links between programmed or funded capital projects and potential improvements in various performance areas.
In FFY 2022, staff will support the MPO in continuing to meet federal requirements for PBPP, and will monitor and report on performance. Staff will also support the MPO in expanding and enhancing its PBPP practices, including further integrating PBPP into ongoing MPO planning processes. MPO staff will continue to coordinate with MassDOT, federal agencies, other MPOs and states, the region’s public transportation providers, and other stakeholders as part of this work.
In FFY 2022, staff will continue to provide information and recommendations to MPO members as they set or update targets for federally required performance measures. This work will involve reviewing federal regulations and guidance, gathering and analyzing data, developing performance baselines, and exploring ways to improve target-setting methodologies.
Staff will build upon prior work to include PBPP elements in LRTP and TIP processes, and other processes as appropriate. In FFY 2022, this will include researching how MPO investments and other factors may influence changes in performance outcomes and what strategies could help the MPO achieve established targets. This will likely include supporting ongoing evaluation of the impacts of MPO-funded TIP projects. Staff will also continue to examine ways to refine project and program selection criteria and work with program managers to make desired changes in future LRTP and TIP development cycles. Finally, staff will research—and if feasible, implement—best practices for incorporating PBPP into MPO programs and other MPO-supporting work.
The MPO currently reports on performance in its LRTP and TIP documents, through the CMP, and on its web-based Performance Dashboard. In FFY 2022, staff will enhance these existing reports and tools by adding and/or updating baseline and trend data, and may create additional reports or tools. When developing these documents and resources, staff will incorporate information on performance targets and, to the extent practicable, describe the effect that MPO investments may have on performance. MPO staff will also prepare federally required reports as needed, such as performance plans and reports for the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program. In addition, MPO staff will continue to provide information about PBPP on the MPO website.
The MPO’s PBPP practice needs to address the MPO’s specific goals and objectives as well as meet federal requirements. During FFY 2022, staff will continue to seek guidance from MassDOT and federal agencies to ensure that its PBPP program addresses federal requirements and recommendations. Staff will also
Project ID Number |
8422 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$25,500 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
This program covers the tasks needed to demonstrate that an MPO’s federally funded transportation programs meet conformity requirements. Typically, a conformity determination is performed annually for the TIP and every four years for a new LRTP (or if an LRTP amendment is undertaken).
Under the CAAA, states must monitor emissions from transportation vehicles and other sources to determine whether ambient emissions levels exceed health-based allowable levels of air pollutants. Areas in which the emissions exceed the allowable levels are designated as nonattainment areas. For these, the state must develop a SIP that establishes emissions budgets and shows how the plan would reduce emissions in the area sufficiently to comply with national ambient air quality standards. MPOs with nonattainment areas must complete air quality conformity determinations to demonstrate the conformity of transportation plans, programs, and projects with the Massachusetts SIP.
The Boston Region MPO area previously had been classified as a nonattainment area for ozone, but it was reclassified as an attainment area under the new 2008 ozone standard. Because the reclassification resulted from a new standard, a maintenance plan was not required, and the area was not classified as a maintenance area. A maintenance area is an area that had been reclassified from nonattainment to attainment. It is an area for which a maintenance plan has been approved as part of the Massachusetts SIP.
As an attainment area, the MPO was not required to demonstrate that the LRTP and TIP conform to national standards for the two pollutants that form ozone: volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). A new ozone standard was recently proposed and released for public comment by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Boston Region MPO area might again be classified as a nonattainment area if this standard is approved. If the MPO area is reclassified as a nonattainment area, conformity determinations for ozone would be required.
In 2018, the FHWA and the FTA released new guidance regarding transportation conformity requirements. The United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit issued a decision in the South Coast Air Quality Management District v. EPA, No. 15-1115 in February 2018, which struck down portions of the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) SIP Requirements Rule concerning the ozone NAAQS.
The portions of the 2008 Ozone NAAQS SIP Requirements Rule addressed implementation requirements of the 2008 ozone NAAQS and the anti-backsliding requirements (ensuring that areas do not revert to nonattainment) associated with the revocation of the 1997 ozone NAAQS. The impact of the decision addresses two groups of ozone areas described in the decision, one of which affects Massachusetts. It affects areas that were designated as nonattainment for the 1997 ozone NAAQS at the time of revocation and are designated as attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. These areas have not been required to make transportation conformity determinations for any ozone NAAQS since the 1997 ozone NAAQS were revoked by EPA in April 2016.
With this new court ruling, Massachusetts is now required to perform a transportation conformity determination on any new LRTP and TIP, updates, and amendments that include the addition of a project that is not exempt (also known as a regionally significant project) from transportation conformity.
The City of Boston and surrounding cities and towns were classified as a maintenance area for carbon monoxide (CO). However, as of April 1, 2016, the 20-year maintenance period expired and conformity is not required for this area. The city of Waltham, however, is classified as attainment with a limited maintenance plan in place, and projects in this city still must comply with certain requirements. The MPO must still show that it is complying with transportation control measure requirements outlined in the Massachusetts SIP.
This ongoing Air Quality Conformity and Support Activities program supports the MPO’s expertise in air quality and climate-change matters, as well as the MPO’s response to changing requirements for planning, analysis, and reporting. This includes initiatives known today, as well as the ability to participate in issues that might emerge during the year. This program also supports implementation of air quality-related transportation programs and projects, and it includes consultation, research, and coordination between the MPO and federal, state, local, and private entities.
Perform and present conformity determinations as noted below. These include a detailed analysis of air quality impacts (VOC, NOx, CO, and carbon dioxide) of the projects in the FFYs 2022–26 TIP, Destination 2040 LRTP amendments, if required, and any work required for implementing the Massachusetts GWSA.
Activities will include analysis of transportation-control measures, park-and-ride facilities, and proposed high-occupancy-vehicle projects throughout the Boston Region MPO area, as well as evaluation of emerging and innovative highway and transit clean-air activities.
Activities will include integrating concerns about climate change and opportunities for emissions reduction into the MPO’s planning process relative to the regional travel-demand model set, the TIP, project-specific work products, the LRTP, the CMP, the UPWP, and performance measures. Staff will work with MassDOT to comply with the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) GWSA requirements for the Transportation Sector and MassDOT. Staff will also confer with agencies and organizations concerned about climate-change issues to inform actions in the MPO region.
The Massachusetts DEP is required to submit a SIP to the EPA documenting strategies and actions to bring Massachusetts into compliance with air quality standards. MPO staff support will include the following activities:
Project ID Number |
8322 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$116,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The UPWP, a federally required document that supports the 3C transportation planning process, has two main purposes.
The UPWP document includes descriptions and budgets for work that MPO staff will conduct during the upcoming federal fiscal year, including 3C-funded work conducted by CTPS for the MPO; work conducted by CTPS and funded by state agencies or other entities; and 3C-funded work executed by MAPC, which receives approximately one-third of the Boston region’s allotment of 3C funding. Appendix A provides supplementary information about transportation studies happening in the Boston region that are either regionally significant or supported by federal, but not MPO, funds.
Chapter 2 contains a thorough description of the UPWP process and document.
Work on the UPWP is ongoing throughout the year, with the twin goals of developing the coming year’s UPWP and supporting staff, the MPO, and its UPWP Committee in monitoring implementation of the current UPWP.
MPO staff coordinates and prepares materials for all phases of development of the upcoming UPWP, including
In support of the implementation of the current year’s UPWP, staff will
Project ID Number |
8522 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$139,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The TE program is designed to ensure that the transportation needs of populations underserved by the transportation system and underrepresented in the planning process are addressed throughout all of the MPO’s activities. These populations—referred to as TE populations—include those covered by the regulations listed below. They include the minority population, low-income population, people with LEP, elderly population, youth population, and people with disabilities.
Staff undertake several activities under the program. Staff ensure MPO compliance with FTA and FHWA Title VI, environmental justice (EJ), and other nondiscrimination requirements, as described above. Staff also conduct inclusive and accessible public outreach and communications, collect and analyze demographic and other data related to equity, and use the outcomes of these analyses and outreach to support other MPO programs. These tasks not only help the MPO comply with federal regulations, but also go beyond compliance by supporting the building of an equitable transportation system that serves all people, regardless of their background.
The MPO will continue to implement its Title VI program and respond to MassDOT requests regarding changes to the program. MPO staff will also prepare and submit an annual or triennial Title VI report to MassDOT as requested. The report documents the MPO’s compliance with Title VI, EJ, and other nondiscrimination requirements, as well as MPO areas of focus of import to MassDOT. Staff will also update the LAP as necessary, as new Census data are released.
In collaboration with the MPO’s Public Participation Program, staff will ensure that TE populations remain central to the MPO’s public outreach process. These engagement activities are described in the MPO’s Public Participation Program.
Staff will support development of the MPO’s certification documents through the continuing implementation of analyses that advance the MPO’s equity goals and to adhere to Title VI, EJ, and other nondiscrimination regulations. This may include but is not limited to disparate impact analyses, project evaluation criteria, metric development, and the MPO equity goal and objectives.
Staff will continue the initial pilot year of the new Transportation Equity Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force is to provide an accessible space for the public to discuss ways to improve equity in the region's transportation system, while elevating underrepresented voices in the MPO's decision-making process. Staff will host approximately five meetings through the spring of 2022, and will subsequently evaluate the success of the Task Force to determine next steps.
To improve the effectiveness of the analyses that evaluate the impacts of the MPO’s activities on TE populations, staff will refine current methods. This work will largely focus on the metrics assessed as part of the TIP and LRTP equity analyses and project evaluation criteria. While this work will continue to include CTPS’s regional travel-demand model, staff will focus on leveraging other lighter-weight tools, such as the accessibility analysis tool Conveyal and the health impacts model Integrated Transport and Health Impact Model.
MPO staff will continue to coordinate with MassDOT’s Office of Diversity and Civil Rights to ensure consistency of MPO Title VI-related processes, procedures, and activities. Staff will also continue to support the MassDOT Rail and Transit Division in its evaluation of applications for funding from the Community Transit Grant Program.
Project ID Number |
2122 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$100,500 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The MPO’s CMP is a federally mandated requirement that seeks to monitor congestion, mobility, and safety needs; it also recommends appropriate strategies for reducing congestion. The CMP is developed in an integrated manner along with the MPO’s certification documents (LRTP, TIP, and UPWP) to ensure cohesive strategy evaluation and implementation.
In the Boston Region MPO area, the CMP follows federal guidelines and recommendations from the MPO’s CMP Committee to fulfill the following activities:
Depending upon CMP Committee recommendations, monitoring and analysis will continue for highways, arterial roads, park-and-ride lots, freight movements, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. CMP activities will include using electronic travel-time and speed data to monitor roadways, identify existing conditions, and recommend appropriate improvements in accordance with federal guidelines.
CMP activities will include monitoring performance, assessing needs, and recommending strategies for multimodal facilities and services, including the following tasks:
Project ID Number |
2222 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$65,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
As part of its FFY 2014 UPWP, the Boston Region MPO established a formal freight-planning program. The goals for MPO freight planning are to
Freight program priorities and activities were described in an action plan prepared in 2013, which was updated as part of the FFY 2019 freight program. The goals remain the same, but new freight-related issues were suggested for study because most issues from the initial action plan had already been studied.
The freight analysis within the framework of this program is ongoing and conducted on a multiyear basis. Freight studies, data collection, and model development efforts in the future will build on work undertaken as part of the initial action plan.
The freight program supports the MPO’s freight planning needs. In 2017, the MPO was required to recommend a set of Critical Urban Freight Corridors (CUFC) for inclusion in the National Highway Freight Network. As part of this effort, MPO staff identified several truck hot spots where the CUFCs connected with important but congested limited-access highways. Most of these CUFC hot spots have been subjects of freight program memoranda or focused data gathering efforts.
In addition to looking at geographical areas and network hot spots, some studies look at freight transportation submarkets. These include the Conley Container Terminal gate survey as part of the 2017 South Boston Waterfront study, followed by a study of regional intermodal warehouses. Similar efforts in FFY 2021 include analyses of Amazon distribution operations and core area hazardous cargo routing.
Specific study topics are chosen in consultation with MPO members and other stakeholders each year. The choice of topic sometimes hinges on complex regulatory and land use issues outside the direct scope of MPO activities. East Boston and Logan Airport are of interest both as a CUFC network hot spot and as important freight submarkets, and could consequently be an area of study, pending support from Massport and other board members.
Outreach and MPO support activities will continue as opportunities and needs are identified. Freight model development activities, generally funded under the Regional Model Enhancement task, are able to take advantage of ongoing freight program findings and data.
Anticipated FFY 2022 efforts may include
Project ID Number |
7122 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$840,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The long-term goal of the travel demand modeling practice at CTPS is to have a reliable, robust set of well-documented travel demand tools, data, and procedures that address a diverse set of needs for transportation planning in the Boston region and statewide with engaged and informed stakeholders and a coordinated team of modelers who have the skills, knowledge, and experience to effectively
Through the Regional Model Enhancement work program, CTPS supports the maintenance and development aspects of the long-term goal. This has been realized through the development and maintenance of a regional travel-demand model and support of other tools for assessing the area’s transportation needs and evaluating alternatives to improve the transportation system. The regional travel-demand model estimates the millions of individual decisions that generate travel throughout the region and simulates the impact of those decisions on an abstracted representation of the region’s roadway and transit networks. Through variations of the inputs and assumptions, the regional travel-demand model provides insights to planners to current and future travel activity and conditions. Metrics produced by the model aid in developing policy, performing technical and equity analyses, and meeting federal reporting requirements, including the MPO’s certification requirements. The model is also used by the MPO and state and regional agencies to support planning and policy analysis.
Model enhancement work is balanced across support for the current model application work, development of a new model for the 2023 LRTP, and efforts to evaluate and adopt new tools for long-term needs. CTPS will continue to engage a model steering committee composed of stakeholders internal and external to the agency to solicit feedback and guidance on model enhancement activities and build an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of model tools.
The current trip-based regional model (TDM19), developed to support the 2019 LRTP, will be the primary tool for planning and policy analysis requiring regional model support through FFY 2022, with the exception of work towards the 2023 LRTP development. As such, CTPS will continue to maintain and enhance TDM19. Maintenance work includes bug fixes, network improvements, documentation, and user support. Enhancements will primarily be through the opportunistic adoption of the features developed for the 2023 LRTP model (TDM23).
Development of a 2023 LRTP travel demand model (TDM23) will be in full swing at the beginning of FFY 2022. The development work is structured such that beta versions of the model will be used for early scenario planning work to refine the model structure. CTPS will conclude the development process with an initial validation of the TDM23 in the second quarter of FFY 2022. The final validation will be complete following the completion of the regional demographics, expected in late FFY 2022.
TDM23 will have a similar structure and platform as TDM19, but each component, or submodel, will be revised to better meet the current MPO planning needs. The implementation of TDM23 will be largely redeveloped to be more readable and extensible.
A key new feature of TDM23 is the integration with FHWA’s Travel Model Improvement Program Exploratory Modeling and Analysis Tool. This utility facilitates the definition of a range of scenario inputs, an efficient modeling procedure to produce outputs, and visualization tools to explore outputs across scenarios varying in multiple dimensions.
In FFY 2022, CTPS will develop a long-term plan with the model steering committee that identifies and prioritizes other model tools and practices.
The TDM23 development process began with the identification of planning needs for model support. Not all of the identified needs will be met by TDM23 because of time and resource constraints as well as the limitations intrinsic in the model structure. CTPS will work to address those needs through complementary tools and data and endeavor to maintain a suite of next generation practices and tools that will serve regional transportation planning needs. The suite will define practice areas, procedures, and tools for common activities. The potential tools and data to be included in this suite include
Staff will continue to improve the existing trip-based model while pursuing the development of new models to enhance the MPOs ability to provide state-of-the-practice support for MPO staff, member agencies, and partner organizations.
Project ID Number |
7222 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$57,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The goal of this ongoing effort is to conduct a leading-edge assessment of new data sources, analytical techniques, and application needs. This assessment will inform CTPS’s long-term investments into the travel modeling data, tools, and staff skills to meet the evolving needs of the MPO and its stakeholders. Maintaining this line item allows MPO staff to support an ongoing process for conducting work that had previously been executed in a more limited or piecemeal approach, to be on the leading edge with rapidly evolving data and models, and to be comprehensive and strategic about how we apply it to our MPO and state work.
The nature, quality, and source of transportation data products are continuously evolving. Passively collected data from phones and GPS devices have recently introduced a new suite of metrics with varying degrees of completeness and validity. Academia, consultants, and other transportation agencies are also continuously developing and demonstrating new analytical approaches to gain insight into travel behavior. Finally, the transportation landscape itself is changing as new mobility services develop and travel behavior responds in different ways.
Research pursuits for FFY 2022 may encompass a variety of data, tools, and planning efforts. Potential new data products include synthesized accessibility data, transportation network company reports, and passively collected travel data. New analytical tools of interest may include data-driven models and exploratory modeling analyses. An example of this new planning effort requiring advances in application practice is the congestion bottleneck assessment, which requires a systematic assessment across the region and consideration of a variety of future uncertainties.
These resources will be used for the following activities:
Project ID Number |
8922 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$50,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
This task would continue to support an MPO transit working group, which provides a forum for coordination and dialogue among transit providers and stakeholders in the Boston region.
Staff will continue work from FFYs 2019, 2020, and 2021 to support an MPO transit working group. During FFY 2022, MPO staff support for the MPO’s transit working group will likely include the following activities:
This program will also support MPO staff in providing the MPO with information, updates, and briefings about the transit working group.
Project ID Number |
8722 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$11,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
In the 2014 federal planning certification review, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a recommendation that the Boston Region MPO incorporate resiliency in its TIP project selection criteria. In 2019, FHWA issued a corrective action on resiliency as part of the MPO’s federal planning certification review. That corrective action advised the MPO to address resiliency of the transportation system in the LRTP and TIP selection criteria and to seek other opportunities to emphasize the importance of climate resiliency in transportation planning and programming of projects.
The Boston Region MPO incorporated resiliency into its Charting Progress to 2040 LRTP,adopted in 2015, through its vision, goals and objectives.The MPO’s next LRTP, Destination 2040, further strengthened its goals and objectives and identified actions to address resiliency as part of the Needs Assessment under the System Preservation and Modernization goal area. The MPO’s project selection criteria for resiliency was recently strengthened to reflect the enhanced focus on it and to properly account for projects that prioritize resiliency investments. In addition, a study on Exploring Resiliency in MPO-Funded Corridor and Intersection Studies was conducted using funding in the FFY 2020 UPWP as a discrete study. Funding was also programmed in FFY 2021 to update the MPO’s All-Hazards Planning Application, again as a discrete study. In addition, staff has incorporated resiliency into its planning practices as described below.
Over the last two years, staff performed work to strengthen resiliency in the MPO’s transportation planning process. That work included
The work performed over the last two years was included in the Needs Assessment task of the LRTP. Since the MPO strengthened its goals and objectives to address resiliency of the transportation network, staff is proposing to formalize resiliency as part of the MPO’s planning process and establish a separate ongoing program to address climate resiliency in the Boston region. The work listed above will continue to be performed under this program.
This program will allow staff to identify areas that may require additional studies through the UPWP, assistance through the MPO’s Technical Assistance programs, projects that could potentially be funded in the TIP, and partnerships with regional entities.
As described in Chapter 1, each federal fiscal year (FFY), the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) receives federal transportation planning funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Combined with the local Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) matching amount, these funds form the budget that allows the MPO staff—Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS)—to accomplish the certification requirement activities described in Chapter 3; the planning studies and technical analyses described in this chapter; and the administrative tasks and data management described in Chapter 6.
To prepare each Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) accurately, the Boston Region MPO must understand the status of the previous year’s studies and work activities. In general, throughout the UPWP’s development, the MPO tracks a study’s progress according to the four categories cited below.
In addition, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), an MPO member agency, conducts planning studies and technical assistance throughout the region (see Chapter 7, Metropolitan Area Planning Council Activities).
The project descriptions throughout this chapter describe new transportation planning studies chosen for funding in FFY 2022. They provide detailed updates for the FFY 2022 funding and work products for the MPO’s and MAPC’s ongoing programs.
Some titles of these products and activities may change as they are finalized. All certification documents and many other work products are, or will be, available for download from the MPO website (www.bostonmpo.org). Work products not found on the MPO website may be requested by contacting CTPS at 857.702.3500 (voice), 711 (MassRelay), or ctps@ctps.org (email).
Table 4-1
Completed MPO-Funded Transportation Planning Studies, FFY 2020–21
| Project Name | ID | FFY 2021 Budgeted Total Funding | Work Products (reports, technical memoranda, and other work products or activities) |
| FFY 2021 Studies | blank | blank | blank |
| Active Transportation | blank | blank | blank |
| Improving Pedestrian Variables in the Travel Demand Model | 13302 | $25,000 | A brief technical memorandum, summarizing findings about the current pedestrian variable and the proposed improvements to it. |
| Land Use, Environment, and Economy | blank | blank | blank |
| Regional TDM Strategies | 13303 | $10,000 | Two forums on the practice of Travel Demand Management, held in conjunction with MAPC staff. |
| Multimodal Mobility | blank | blank | blank |
| Trip Generation Rate Research | 13304 | $45,000 | A report of findings on trip generation rate practices and recommendation for applications using ITE and TDM. |
| Transit | blank | blank | blank |
| Access to CBDs Phase 2 | 14370 | $75,000 | A transportation planning guidebook and brief memo on COVID-19 recovery scenarios, supported by interviews of local stakeholders. |
| The Future of the Curb Phase 2 | 14371 | $60,000 | A guidebook for municipalities interested in planning and implementing curb management strategies, supported by interviews and other research. |
| Resilience | blank | blank | blank |
| Multimodal Resilience and Emergency Planning | 13306 | $30,000 | An updated All-Hazards Planning application and a presentation to the MPO. |
| Other Technical Support | blank | blank | blank |
| MPO Staff-Generated Research Topics | 20905 | $20,000 | For the project Exploring Equity Classifications with Machine Learning, a geographic file that shows groupings of towns by demographic profile as found by the unsupervised machine learning algorithm as well as a written description of what each grouping represents. For the project Commuting Profiles of Environmental Justice Communities Using the 2011 Massachusetts Travel Survey, a short memorandum with accompanying tables. |
| Mapping Major Transportation Infrastructure Projects in the Boston Region | 13307 | $20,000 | A web-based interactive tool mapping transportation investments in the Boston region and an accompanying print map. |
| FFY 2020 Studies | blank | blank | blank |
| Active Transportation | blank | blank | blank |
| Locations with High Bicycle and Pedestrian Crash Rates in the Boston Region MPO Area | 13293 | $960 | Final report and presentation to the MPO. |
| Multimodal Mobility | blank | blank | blank |
| Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways FFY 2020 | 13420 | $13,400 | Final report and presentation to the MPO. |
| Addressing Priority Corridors from the LRTP Needs Assessment FFY 2020 | 13520 | $13,400 | Final report and presentation to the MPO. |
| Safety and Operations Analysis at Selected Intersections FFY 2020 | 13720 | $7,420 | Final report and presentation to the MPO. |
| TIP Before and After Studies | 13294 | $22,480 | Final report and presentation to the MPO. |
| Resilience | blank | blank | blank |
| Exploring Resilience in MPO-Funded Corridor and Intersection Studies | 13299 | $960 | Final report and presentation to the MPO. |
Table 4-2
Discrete Boston Region MPO Planning Studies and Technical Analyses Continued into FFY 2022
| Project Name | ID | Previous Funding | Percent Complete by end of FFY 2021 | FFY 2021 Work Products and Progress | FFY 2022 Funding | FFY 2022 Planned Work Products and Progress |
| FFY 2021 | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank |
| Multimodal Mobility | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank |
| Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways | 13421 | $127,900 | 75% | Established advisory task force for the Grove Street corridor in Braintree, investigated the concerns and issues with the corridor, completed existing condition evaluation, and completed needs assessment. | $19,000 | Complete development of recommendations, finalize study reports, and present to the MPO. |
| Addressing Priority Corridors from the Long-Range Transportation Plan Needs Assessment | 13521 | $137,000 | 75% | Investigated the concerns and issues at select segments of Route 9 in Framingham and Natick, completed existing condition evaluation, and completed needs assessment. | $24,000 | Complete development of recommendations, finalize study reports, and present to the MPO. |
| Low-Cost Improvements to Express-Highway Bottleneck Locations | 13621 | $64,500 | 70% | Investigated the concerns and issues at two bottleneck locations, completed existing condition evaluations, and completed needs assessments. | $13,500 | Complete development of recommendations, finalize study reports, and present to the MPO. |
| Intersection Improvement Program | 13305 | $75,000 | 70% | Investigated the concerns and issues at selected municipal locations, completed existing condition evaluations, and completed needs assessments. | $17,000 | Complete development of recommendations, finalize study reports, and present to the MPO. |
Table 4-3
Ongoing Boston Region MPO Technical Analyses, FFY 2021–22
| Project Name | ID | FFY 2021 Funding | FFY 2021 Work Products and Progress | FFY 2022 Funding | FFY 2022 Planned Work Products and Progress |
| CTPS Activities | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank |
| Roadway Safety Audits | 2321 | $14,920 | Provided support to MassDOT and communities for safety audits conducted in the Boston Region MPO area | $13,000 | Tasks and work products generally remain the same from year to year |
| Traffic Data Support | 2721 | $15,340 | Responded to data request needs | $15,000 | Continue to respond to data request needs |
| Transit Data Support | 4221 | $11,170 | Responded to data request needs | $12,000 | Continue to respond to data request needs |
| Community Transportation Technical Assistance Program* |
2421, MAPC5 | $73,330 | Responded to various communities' inquires related to transportation issues: Salem—Provided assistance analyzing potential impacts associated with changing residential streets to one-way to prevent diversions from a congested main street Concord—Provided guidance regarding a possible bicycle count program that Concord would like to conduct associated with the Bruce Freeman Trail and the West Concord MBTA station Coordinated with MAPC about various technical assistance outreach needs and possible study locations |
$67,000 | Continue to support communities seeking transportation technical assistance |
| Bicycle/Pedestrian Support Activities |
2521 | $71,810 | Spring 2021 bicycle and pedestrian counts Maintained awareness of bicycle- and pedestrian-related work and developments in the Boston metropolitan region Followed bicycle- and pedestrian-planning best practices and developments nationwide and globally Summarized Boston region bicycle and pedestrian count data Studied locations that currently affect the safety and comfort of bicycling and walking in the Boston region |
$74,000 | Coordinate with state agencies, MAPC, other MPOs, MassDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program, WalkBoston, MassBike, LivableStreets, municipalities, and other groups regarding bicycle and pedestrian planning for the region Collect data on bicycle and pedestrian volumes at on-road and off-road facilities in the Boston region, and post collected count data to the Boston Region MPO’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Count Database for public use Examine bicycle and pedestrian crash data at the intersection, corridor, and regional levels to support development of strategies to address bicycle and pedestrian safety problems Provide ongoing technical support to communities for current tools and practices regarding bicycle and pedestrian issues, with particular focus on promoting safety Conduct technical analyses to quantify the effects of proposed bicycle facilities, including air quality improvements, reductions in vehicle-miles traveled, and changes in parking needs Conduct analyses to identify critical sidewalk gaps in the region, and possibly provide guidance to communities who may be able to access Surface Transportation Block Grant program funding for transportation alternatives to close gaps on federally aided roadways Examine potential routes, both on-road and off-road, to increase the connectivity of the existing transportation system, including trails, on-road facilities, and public transit, emphasizing connections on the Bay State Greenway, LandLine Network, and Emerald Network, where applicable Consider development of future possible strategic bicycle and pedestrian safety plans Coordinate regional efforts to coincide with the vision and goals outlined in the Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Statewide Transportation Plans |
| Regional Transit Service Planning Technical Support |
14342 | $56,470 | Supported Hingham with bus to ferry connection planning, Lexington with some basic fare elasticity and revenue analysis, and MWRTA with microtransit analysis | $50,000 | Continue support to communities seeking transit service planning technical assistance |
*This program is shared between MAPC and CTPS.
Table 4-4
Unified Planning Work Program Budget—MPO New Discrete Studies, FFY 2022
| Universe ID | Project ID | Study or Program | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| L-1 | 13310 | Trip Generation Follow-Up | $20,000 |
| L-2 | 13311 | Travel Demand Management Follow-Up | $10,000 |
| L-3 | 13312 | COVID-19 Recovery Research and Technical Assistance | $10,000 |
| M-1 | 13422 | Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways | $133,000 |
| M-2 | 13522 | Addressing Priority Corridors from the LRTP Needs Assessment | $145,000 |
| M-3 | 13722 | Safety and Operations at Selected Intersections | $82,000 |
| M-6 | 13313 | The Future of the Curb Phase 3 | $70,000 |
| T-2 | 13314 | Addressing Equity and Access in the Blue Hills | $40,000 |
| E-2 | 13315 | Identifying Transportation Inequities in the Boston Region | $70,000 |
| O-1 | 20906 | Staff-Generated Research and Technical Assistance | $20,000 |
| Total for New Discrete and Recurring Studies | blank | blank | $600,000 |
The project descriptions in this section describe the new studies chosen by the MPO for funding in FFY 2022. As described in Chapter 2 and Appendix B, CTPS gathers new study ideas each year and classifies them into the following categories: active transportation; land use, environment, and economy; multimodal mobility; transit; safety and security; and other technical work. Each of the project descriptions on the following pages begins with a funding table that shows the project identification number, category, funding sources, and total budget.
Project ID Number |
13310 |
Category |
Land Use, Environment, and Economy |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$20,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
This study will follow up on the FFY 2020 UPWP study Innovations in Estimating Trip Generation Rates and the FFY 2021 UPWP study Trip Generation Rate Research. This study will hone in on the focus area of parking, identified in previous research as a major factor in trip generation and a powerful policy lever for municipalities to pull.
Staff will conduct a literature review and interview municipal planners and experts on the topic. Staff will also collaborate with colleagues at MAPC and MassDOT to collect and analyze data on parking from a variety of sources, covering a variety of uses and build environments, and draw conclusions about how parking policy, provision, and pricing can influence trip generation. Data collected may be submitted to the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) for inclusion in the next edition of the ITE Parking Generation Manual. Staff will also continue to attend coordination meetings and work on sharing data with colleagues at other agencies engaging in similar work.
A technical memorandum documenting findings and recommendations to municipal stakeholders for relating parking policy and provision to land use and trip generation goals.
Project ID Number |
13311 |
Category |
Land Use, Environment, and Economy |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$10,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
This task will continue the MPO’s efforts around the topic of Travel Demand Management (TDM) initially established through the FFY 2021 UPWP task Regional Travel Demand Management Strategies Coordination. Work conducted for that task revealed significant demand for regional discussion, collaboration, and coordination on TDM, as well as a set of important research questions in both the short and long term. The FFY 2022 task will allow staff to continue and expand this work and work with partners at MAPC to determine the need for more intensive TDM work by either or both agencies.
In FFY 2022, staff will
A report to the MPO on staff’s TDM-related activities; several stakeholder-oriented public events; and potential plans for a permanent collaborative forum.
Project ID Number |
13312 |
Category |
Land Use, Environment, and Economy |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$10,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the transportation system with a variety of challenges that required new research or flexible modifications to services or infrastructure. MPO staff found themselves needing additional flexibility to deal with these questions, and to respond to inquiries for support from regional stakeholders. Because of the timing of UPWP development and the need to identify tasks far in advance, staff were not always able to allocate time or resources optimally to research or provide technical assistance to member municipalities and other stakeholders. This task establishes a fund so that MPO staff can flexibly and rapidly learn about, analyze, and respond to new challenges and questions that will emerge during the recovery from the pandemic.
MPO staff will identify (internally or by hearing from partners and stakeholders) challenges and questions relating to the transportation implications and effects of the recovery from COVID-19, and use this funding to respond to them. Tasks will be presented to the MPO when identified. At the end of the year, staff will present a report to the MPO identifying how the funds were used and summarizing products and results.
A variety of work products, such as documentation of new data; technical memoranda for stakeholders; and a summary report for the MPO.
Project ID Number |
13422 |
Category |
Multimodal Mobility |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$133,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
The Boston Region MPO has conducted Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways studies as part of the UPWP in every FFY since 2013. During MPO outreach, MAPC subregional groups identify transportation problems and issues that concern them, often those relating to bottlenecks or lack of safe access to transportation facilities in their areas. These issues can affect livability, quality of life, crash incidence, and air quality along an arterial roadway and its side streets. If problems are not addressed, mobility, access, safety, economic development, and air quality are compromised.
To address feedback from the MAPC subregional groups, MPO staff will identify priority arterial roadway segments in the MPO region, emphasizing issues identified by the relevant subregional groups and Environmental Justice (EJ) and Title VI considerations. MPO staff will concentrate on transit service, nonmotorized modes of transportation, and truck activity along these arterial segments. MPO staff will consider numerous strategies to improve these arterials, including examining and evaluating any or all of the following factors:
The improvement strategies will help develop a guide to designing and implementing a Complete Streets corridor, which could be recommended to implementing agencies and funded through various federal, state, and local sources, separately or in combination.
The study will include data collection, technical analysis, development of recommendations, and documentation for selected corridors.
Project ID Number |
13522 |
Category |
Multimodal Mobility |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$145,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
The purpose of these studies is to develop conceptual design plans that address regional multimodal transportation needs along priority corridors identified in the MPO’s LRTP, Destination 2040. These studies include recommendations that address multimodal transportation needs that are expected to arise from potential future developments in the study area.
The LRTP identified needs for all modes of transportation in the MPO region. These needs guide decision-making about which projects to include in current and future Transportation Improvement Programs. Projects that address the region’s current mobility needs are those that focus on maintaining and modernizing roadways with high levels of congestion and safety problems;4-1 expanding the quantity and quality of walking and bicycling; and making transit service more efficient and modern. During the past several years, the MPO has conducted these planning studies, and municipalities have been receptive to them.
MPO staff will select locations for study with consideration of municipal, subregional, and other public feedback as well as EJ and Title VI considerations, and then collect data, conduct technical analyses, and develop recommendations for improvements. The recommendations will be forwarded to implementing agencies, which may choose to fund improvements through various federal, state, and local sources, either separately or in combination.
Through these studies, MPO staff will recommend conceptual improvements for one or more corridors, or several small sections within a corridor, that are identified by the congestion management process (CMP) and the LRTP as part of the Needs Assessment process.
The studies will provide cities and towns with the opportunity to review the requirements of a specific arterial segment, starting at the conceptual level, before committing design and engineering funds to a project. If the project qualifies for federal funds for construction of the recommended upgrades, the study’s documentation may be useful to MassDOT and the municipalities.
Project ID Number |
13722 |
Category |
Multimodal Mobility |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$82,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
This recurring study, typically funded every other year, will examine mobility and safety issues at major intersections on the region’s arterial highways. According to the MPO’s crash database, many crashes occur at these locations, which are congested during peak travel periods. While the resulting congestion may occur only at the intersections, it usually spills over to a few, adjacent intersections along an arterial. These intersections may also accommodate multiple transportation modes including buses, trucks, and people who are walking or bicycling.
MPO staff will examine intersection locations based on a review of the MPO’s crash database and the MPO CMP’s travel-time and delay information. MPO staff will recommend safety and operations improvements to enhance the intersections’ operations for all transportation modes, including transit, bicycling, and walking, and to enhance the safety of drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Municipalities are receptive to these studies, as they provide an opportunity to review the locations’ needs, starting at the conceptual level, before municipalities commit funds for project design. If a project qualifies for federal funds, the study’s documentation is also useful to MassDOT.
MPO staff will select intersection locations for study and develop recommendations for improvements. The findings will be documented in memoranda and presented to the MPO.
Project ID Number |
13313 |
Category |
Multimodal Mobility |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$70,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
This study will build on the previous Future of the Curb studies that provided references for planners as they adapt and manage curb space. Within the guidebook (Future of the Curb II), CTPS identified potential metrics to evaluate the success of curb management changes, and in this new study CTPS staff would test these methods with the aim to generate ground-truthed models to estimate curb space efficiency within communities of the Boston region. This study advances the MPO goals for Capacity Management and Mobility by helping planners adapt curb space to meet changing demands.
Staff will identify specific curb management strategies to study (such as bus lanes, pick up/drop off zones, and freight/delivery designated spaces). Staff will also find examples where they are active within the Boston region, keeping in mind different community types throughout the region. Staff will then collect data to measure their efficacy through digital data sources available (such as automatic passenger counter-derived bus delay data, municipal parking data) and through in-person data collection efforts (such as turnover counts in parking spaces). CTPS staff will then analyze the results to compare the metrics throughout the region and generate a model to estimate the effect curb management changes will have on different community types.
This study will generate a method to estimate curb space usage by management strategy and municipality type, developed from data collected within the Boston region.
Project ID Number |
13314 |
Category |
Transit |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$40,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
A coalition of groups, including the Urban Outdoors Association, Friends of the Blue Hills, the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, Brookwood Community Farm, and the Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum, approached MPO staff and the UPWP Committee with a proposal to study transit access to the Blue Hills Reservation. The Blue Hills Reservation is rich in natural and cultural resources, and hosts many recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, swimming, and skiing. It also is home to a number of cultural and environmental organizations—including a community farm, a nature museum, and a certified arboretum—that welcome visitors to enjoy and participate in their activities. Access to areas of natural beauty and wilderness is also documented to be critical for wellness and mental health, especially in a time of social distancing. Though the heart of the Blue Hills Reservation is located just four miles from Mattapan Square in Boston, a major transit hub in a marginalized community, transit access to the Reservation is extremely limited.
In response to this request, MPO staff will conduct a study combining community engagement and service planning support to determine the best and most relevant ways to provide improved transit access to the cultural and recreational activities of the Blue Hills. This study will also allow MPO staff to engage deeply with key communities and stakeholders.
Staff will
MPO outreach and engagement activities to help qualitatively determine how best to provide access to the Blue Hills, and a report or other document summarizing engagement activities and technical recommendations.
Project ID Number |
13315 |
Category |
Transportation Equity |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$70,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
The purpose of this study is to develop a baseline assessment of existing transportation inequities in the Boston region. While the equity policies applied by the MPO and other transportation agencies often take the status quo as a given and attempt to prevent making inequities worse through future investments, this study will take a historical perspective and attempt to identify existing inequities that have been caused by past decisions and identify opportunities for the MPO to reduce the divergent outcomes between population groups.
The study will have two parts. Staff will begin by gathering qualitative data from equity populations and advocates about the transportation impacts they experience in their communities. The second part will consist of quantitative analyses of transportation outcomes (selected in part from the results from the public outreach). Staff will measure the extent of existing transportation benefits and burdens on equity populations compared to non-equity populations, and identify those inequities that are most extreme. Analyses undertaken in both parts of the study will focus on transportation metrics that the MPO is most ideally positioned to address, as well as those that have received little or no analysis in the Boston region. One likely topic for analysis is the cost of transportation for different modes and across various demographic groups. The results of this study will provide the MPO with better information about opportunities for improving transportation equity outcomes in the region.
A report documenting the results of the quantitative and qualitative analyses.
Project ID Number |
20906 |
Category |
Other |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$20,000 |
Schedule |
10/2021 through 9/2022 |
This program would support work by MPO staff members on topics that relate to the Boston Region MPO’s metropolitan transportation planning process that staff members have expressed interest in, and that are not covered by an ongoing UPWP or discrete project.
This program was funded for the first time in FFY 2016, when the work undertaken consisted of investigating the possibility of using driver license acquisition rates obtained through Registry of Motor Vehicles data as a possible measure of transit dependence. In FFY 2017, MPO staff members completed research projects including an examination of crash rates in EJ communities; analysis of long-distance commuting in the Boston region and its implications for the MPO; and development of a new software tool for transit planning.
In FFY 2020, the scope of this program was extended to allow MPO staff members to pursue small technical assistance projects for local communities. Individual MPO staff members would be able to identify small-scale needs in the diverse communities in which they live (within the MPO region), and a partner entity or entities to work with in making recommendations to solve the problem. This budget line would provide MPO staff with time to study the problem—involving their colleagues with specialty skills if resources and availability allow—and make recommendations to solve it.
Interested MPO staff members will complete an application for MPO funding to conduct independent research on a topic of professional interest and potential use in the metropolitan transportation planning process, or pursue a local transportation-related technical assistance project. MPO managers and directors will review the applications and select the most promising topics for study.
The research element of this program will produce valuable information for the MPO’s consideration and support staff members’ professional development. The technical assistance element will yield highly creative, yet flexible and lightweight, solutions for transportation planning problems. Both elements allow staff to raise the profile of the MPO and publicize its ability to help local communities, whether by publishing compelling research or by reaching out to help solve local problems.
The project descriptions in this section consist of ongoing MPO programs that provide technical planning assistance, support, and analyses to cities, towns, and other entities throughout the region. The major areas of technical analyses include data provision and analysis, bicycle and pedestrian support, transit service planning, and community-level transportation planning and technical assistance.
Project ID Number |
2322 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$13,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
This program supports CTPS participation in roadway safety audits (RSA).
An RSA, as defined by FHWA, is a formal safety performance examination of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent audit team. MassDOT guidelines require an RSA to be conducted where Highway Safety Improvement Program-eligible crash clusters are present. The program has expanded to cover additional high-crash locations and individual crash types, such as pedestrian and bicycle hot spots. The RSA examines the location to develop both short- and long-term recommendations to improve safety for vehicles, for people who walk, and for people who bicycle. These recommendations help communities identify safety improvements that can be implemented in the short term, and determine if more substantial improvements are needed as part of a larger, long-term improvement process.
Audit teams include MassDOT headquarters and district office staff, MassDOT consultants, municipal planners and engineers, local and state police, local emergency response personnel, and CTPS personnel, as requested. In the RSA process, the audit team (1) reviews available crash data; (2) meets and communicates with local officials, planners, engineers, and other stakeholders; (3) visits the site to observe traffic operations and identify safety issues; and (4) develops and documents recommendations.
The anticipated outcome is participation in audit teams as requested by MassDOT.
Project ID Number |
2722 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$15,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The purpose of this program is to perform various quick-response data-gathering or data-analysis tasks for public and private institutions throughout the federal fiscal year.
For the vast majority of requests for transportation planning and traffic engineering analysis, the amount of effort is significant; therefore, a specific scope of work is developed for these projects. Occasionally, public and private institutions and their consultants ask CTPS to perform various quick-response analyses or to gather data. These requests, which are expected to require fewer than two person-days each, are accounted for under this general project description.
Work products will depend on the tasks requested by the MPO, other agencies, members of the general public, consultants, or other interested parties.
Project ID Number |
4222 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$12,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
The purpose of this program is to provide transit data and small-scale analyses of available data to interested parties, upon request.
By performing various planning studies for the MBTA and other entities, CTPS has accumulated a large amount of transit ridership, revenue, and service data. This program allows CTPS to provide these data to interested parties throughout the federal fiscal year.
CTPS will respond to requests for data and small-scale studies from agencies, municipalities, members of the public, academic institutions, and other interested parties.
Project ID Number |
2421, MAPC5 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$67,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
Through this ongoing program, MPO staff and MAPC provide technical advice to municipalities throughout the region about identified transportation issues of concern.
This program is a mechanism for providing quick-response advice to communities that have identified transportation issues of concern about which they would like to have technical advice. In this program, a team of CTPS and MAPC engineers and planners will meet with community officials to learn more about specific problems and provide advice on next steps concerning issues that the community may have identified, such as those related to parking, traffic calming, walking, bicycling, and bus stops. In many cases, there will be a site visit to understand the potential problem, review existing data, and make suggestions for additional data that may be needed. General types of solutions, appropriate follow up, and contact information for appropriate MPO and MassDOT staff could be recommended. Descriptions of the various planning processes at MassDOT, the MBTA, the MPO, and MAPC, as well as guidance on how communities can get involved, could also be provided. Technical assistance activities could produce conceptual designs for some project locations.
This work will advance the MPO’s goals for system preservation, modernization, and efficiency; mobility; and land use and economic development. It will be consistent with the MPO’s CMP and other staff-identified needs. It also will include a safety component in which staff will respond to community requests to conduct analyses at crash locations and recommend possible mitigation strategies.
In FFY 2022, MPO staff will solicit municipal technical assistance requests. The number of technical assistance cases will depend on the funding amount, and MAPC and CTPS will coordinate and collaborate on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the complexity of the specific technical assistance requests from municipalities, CTPS and MAPC typically undertake three to four projects each FFY. MPO staff will document the work, recommendations, and outcomes of these consultations in the form of technical memoranda.
Project ID Number |
2522 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$74,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
MPO staff supports the MPO’s and the region’s needs for bicycle and pedestrian planning through ongoing data collection, analysis, and technical assistance in this program.
In addition to the items listed below, during the federal fiscal year, other bicycle and pedestrian planning studies often are identified collaboratively by MPO members, communities, bicycle and pedestrian advisory groups, and CTPS. Through such studies, MPO staff provides support to communities by creating bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects that can be advanced through the MassDOT Project Development process.
Anticipated outcomes include technical assistance, data collection, analysis, review of materials, and attendance at state, regional, and local forums and committee meetings. Tasks not related directly to separate studies or activities may include the following:
Project ID Number |
14342 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$50,000 |
Schedule |
Ongoing |
Through this ongoing program, the MPO provides technical support to regional transit authorities, municipalities, MAPC subregions, and transportation management associations. This work is focused on improving or expanding transit service and reducing single-occupancy-vehicle (SOV) travel in the region.
The MPO’s policy is to support transit services and reduce SOV travel in the region. As such, MPO staff provides technical support to RTAs to promote best practices and address issues of ridership, cost-effectiveness, route planning, first- and last-mile strategies, and other service characteristics. The MPO also extends support to TMAs, MAPC subregions, and municipalities seeking to improve the transit services that they operate or fund.
MPO staff will provide technical assistance to RTAs, municipalities, MAPC subregions, and TMAs as described above.
4-1 Congestion is used as one of the selection criteria for potential study locations. Congested conditions are defined as a travel time index of at least 1.3 (this means that a trip takes 30 percent longer than it would under ideal conditions).
The transportation studies and technical analysis work described in this chapter will be conducted to support the work of various transportation agencies in the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) area.
Some of the contracts described in this chapter are issued to the Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) every year and generally coincide with either the federal fiscal year (FFY) or the state fiscal year (SFY). Examples include the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) PL and MassDOT Statewide Planning and Research (SPR) contracts. Other contracts are issued for tasks and technical support to be conducted over a multi-year period, and they might be renewed with the agencies after several years. A third contract type covers the work for discrete studies or technical analyses intended to be completed within a specified timeframe. These may either be one-time contracts in which CTPS conducts analysis or technical support to further a specific agency project, such as MassDOT’s Silver Line Extension Alternatives Analysis, or they can be contracts in which CTPS provides technical support to an agency for data collection and analysis that is undertaken annually, such as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) National Transit Database (NTD): Data Collection and Analysis contract.
The work conducted on behalf of the agencies includes data collection and analyses covering a broad range of topics, including travel demand modeling, air quality, traffic engineering, Title VI, and environmental justice. The products of this work are vital to support compliance with federal and state regulations such as the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. CTPS also enhances regional understanding of critical transportation issues through the preparation of graphics, maps, and other materials for agency studies and presentations. The work described in this chapter is organized by agency and includes studies and technical analyses for MassDOT, the MBTA, and other agencies in the Boston region.
Table 5-1
Unified Planning Work Program Budget—New and Continuing Agency Transportation Planning Studies and Technical Analyses for FFY 2022
| Project ID | Name | Total Contracta | Funding Source | FFY 2022 Agency Funds | Direct Support | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| Varies by project | MassDOT SPR Program Supportb |
$1,007,000 | SPR | $586,000 | $600 | $586,600 |
| Varies by project | MassDOT On-Call Projects | $1,150,000 | MassDOT | $350,000 | $0 | $350,000 |
| 13155 | MassDOT Title VI Program | $95,000 | MassDOT | $35,000 | $0 | $35,000 |
| Varies by project | MassDOT Transit Planning Assistancec | n/a | MassDOT 3C PL | $271,505 | $0 | $271,505 |
| 11495 | Silver Line Extension Alternatives | $115,000 | MassDOT | $35,000 | $0 | $35,000 |
| 22216 | Wellington Circle Study | $108,664 | MassDOT | $35,000 | $0 | $35,000 |
| MassDOT Subtotal | blank | blank | blank | $1,041,000 | $600 | $1,041,600 |
| 11415 | AFC 2.0 Equity Analysis | $76,972 | MBTA | $42,000 | $0 | $42,000 |
| 11424 | MBTA 2020 Triennial Title VI Report | $139,632 | MBTA | $14,000 | $0 | $14,000 |
| 11429 | MBTA 2022 Title VI Program Monitoring | $77,000 | MBTA | $53,250 | $250 | $53,500 |
| 11491 | MBTA Mapping Support | $18,000 | MBTA | $6,000 | $0 | $6,000 |
| 14355 | MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Support III | $24,500 | MBTA | $1,500 | $0 | $1,500 |
| 14376 | MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Support IV | $24,500 | MBTA | $4,500 | $0 | $4,500 |
| 14366 | MBTA SFY 2021 National Transit Database (NTD) Support | $123,317 | MBTA | $4,800 | $0 | $4,800 |
| 14372 | MBTA SFY 2022 National Transit Database (NTD) Support | $127,288 | MBTA | $89,850 | $150 | $90,000 |
| 14373 | MBTA SFY 2023 Fare Equity Analysis | $20,000 | MBTA | $27,700 | $0 | $27,700 |
| 14375 | MBTA SFY 2023 National Transit Database (NTD) Support | $132,500 | MBTA | $27,900 | $100 | $28,000 |
| 11422 | MBTA Transit Service Data Collection | $540,000 | MBTA | $194,200 | $0 | $194,200 |
| 14358 | Service Equity Analysis Support to the MBTA | $115,000 | MBTA | $50,000 | $0 | $50,000 |
| MBTA Subtotal | blank | blank | blank | $515,700 | $500 | $516,200 |
| Other (Massport, Municipalities, etc.) | $80,000 | Other | $80,000 | $0 | $80,000 | |
| Other Subtotal | blank | blank | blank | $80,000 | $0 | $80,000 |
| Agency-Funded and Client-Funded Subtotal | blank | blank | blank | $1,636,700 | $1,100 | $1,637,800 |
a The total contract amounts include direct costs. Annual direct costs are not included in the FFY budget amounts in the table and are shown separately in the Direct Support column.
b The total FFY budgets in the UPWP represent a combination of funding from two different contract years. The total contract amount listed for the MassDOT SPR is the total contract amount for the FY 2022 and FY 2023 contracts.
c This project is conducted on behalf of MassDOT but funded through the MPO 3C Planning contract, and thus is not included in totals in this table.
The contracts and technical analyses in this section are being undertaken for MassDOT.
Project ID Number |
Varies |
Funding Source |
MassDOT SPR |
FFY 2022 Total Budget* |
$586,000 |
*The term of the MassDOT SPR 2020-2021 Contract was extended from September 30, 2021, through December 31, 2021. Therefore, the total FFY budget in the UPWP represents a combination of funding from two different contract years. The FFY 2022 total budget is from the FFY 2021 and FFY 2022 contracts.
CTPS provides support to MassDOT’s SPR program as requested. These contracts will include multiple individual projects or tasks throughout the federal fiscal year.
CTPS will conduct studies and analyses and provide technical assistance upon request. Two of the projects that are either underway or expected to begin in FFY 2022 are the Roadway Inventory and Related Support Maintenance, Green Line Transformation, and Miscellaneous Technical Support.
Other projects may be added throughout FFY 2022.
Activities and work products will depend on tasks requested by MassDOT’s Office of Transportation Planning (OTP).
Project ID Number |
97921 |
Funding Source |
MassDOT SPR |
FFY 2022 Total Budget* |
$357,500 |
*The term of the MassDOT SPR Contract aligns with the SFY, from July 1 through June 30. Therefore, the total FFY 2022 Total Budget represents nine months of funding from the SFY 2022 contract.
CTPS provides support to MassDOT’s Geographical Information System (GIS) Services team as requested. This contract will bolster MassDOT’s Road Inventory maintenance and development and expand MassDOT’s GIS Services capacity.
CTPS staff will support MassDOT’s GIS Services in data cleaning and repair, updating road attributes, and improving routing for the MassDOT Road Inventory File.
Work will primarily result in improvements to the MassDOT Road Inventory File.
Project ID Number |
Varies |
Funding Source |
MassDOT Other |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$350,000 |
The purpose of this on-call contract is to provide the MassDOT Highway Division with travel demand modeling and planning assistance throughout FFY 2022.
MassDOT’s Highway Division created a general on-call contract to retain CTPS’s services, beginning in 2017, to provide travel demand modeling support, planning assistance, and data resources to MassDOT Highway Division projects.
Staff will document findings of travel demand modeling or planning recommendations in memoranda. In addition, staff will fulfill data requests and coordinate with project teams on various issues and items.
Project ID Number |
13155 |
Funding Source |
MassDOT Other |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$45,000 |
Under this contract, CTPS will continue to provide technical support to MassDOT for implementing its Title VI Program for both the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
MassDOT, as a recipient of federal funds from both FHWA and the FTA, is required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and with protections enacted through several other laws and executive orders that prohibit discrimination based on gender, age, income, and disability. Through this technical support work, CTPS will assist MassDOT in complying with these nondiscrimination laws.
Staff will provide technical support to MassDOT as described above.
Project ID Number |
Varies |
Funding Source |
MassDOT 3C PL |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$271,505 |
CTPS will provide transit-planning assistance to MassDOT and the MBTA by conducting various studies under MassDOT’s FHWA-funded PL Program. This task will include multiple individual projects or tasks throughout the federal fiscal year.
In FFY 2022, CTPS will continue to assist MassDOT and the MBTA with the Bus Network Redesign Service Equity Analysis. Following the MBTA’s Disparate Impact/Disproportionate Burden (DI/DB) Policy, staff will evaluate whether the effects of the proposed changes in weekly revenue vehicle hours and route length are equitable. Staff will prepare and present formal Title VI equity analyses to the Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) at critical points throughout this process.
In addition to the formal service equity analyses, staff will use a CTPS-developed tool, known as the Modified Transit Opportunity Index, to evaluate changes in the amount of service available to the protected populations (minority and low-income) and to the non-protected populations. Further, staff will measure the equity impacts of metrics developed by MassDOT and the MBTA that are not contained in the DI/DB Policy.
Over the course of the FFY CTPS may take on additional work through this task, as assigned by MassDOT.
For the Bus Network Redesign Service Equity Analysis, staff will generate the results of several Title VI Service Equity Analyses and produce a final analysis for the system change packages that are likely to move forward from the Bus Network Redesign process. Staff will also create graphics and provide technical assistance as described above.
The contracts and technical analyses in this section are being undertaken for the MBTA.
Project ID Number |
14366 (SFY 2021) 14374 (SFY 2022) 14375 (SFY 2023) |
Funding Source |
MBTA |
Total Contract* |
$383,105 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$3,500 (SFY 2021) $108,025 (SFY 2022) $37,044 (SFY 2023) |
*Multiple contract years are represented.
For many years, in support of the MBTA’s NTD submittals to the FTA, CTPS has produced passenger-miles traveled and unlinked trip estimates for MBTA services. This project will develop these estimates for the following uses:
CTPS will use the following methods to collect the data on which these estimates will be based:
The MBTA will submit its SFY 2021 NTD passenger-miles traveled and unlinked trip estimates for various transit modes to the FTA with the aid of CTPS during FFY 2022. The final technical memoranda for the 2021 NTD will be completed in FFY 2022.
In FFY 2022, staff will complete the final technical memoranda and auditing process for SFY 2021 NTD reporting and will complete data collection begun in FFY 2021 for SFY 2022. Field staff will begin collecting data for SFY 2023 NTD reporting.
Project ID Number |
11424 (SFY2020) 11429 (SFY2022) |
Funding Source |
MBTA |
Total Contract* |
$216,632 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$15,000 (SFY2020) $59,750 (SFY2022) |
*Multiple contract years are represented.
Under this contract, CTPS provides the MBTA with technical assistance by collecting data on and assessing the level of service (LOS) provided in minority areas compared to nonminority areas to support the MBTA’s compliance with Title VI requirements.
Staff will collect and analyze data on the following service indicators:
The data-collection and LOS-analysis activities will help to fulfill monitoring required as part of the MBTA’s ongoing Title VI Program. The results of the data collection efforts and analyses will be reported in a memorandum to the MBTA for internal review and follow up and will be included in the next triennial report.
CTPS will provide documentation about selected LOS evaluations for SFY 2021 MBTA revenue service and amenities.
Project ID Number |
11422 |
Funding Source |
MBTA |
Total Contract |
$540,000 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$180,000 |
The work conducted under this contract will help the MBTA to assess bus and rapid transit service changes.
The MBTA requires ongoing data collection regarding its transit system in order to assess service changes. As part of this project, CTPS collects ridership and performance data to support future MBTA service changes. Work may also include support for improving the ridecheck database so that it will be compatible with new software and data sources. CTPS also may provide analytical assistance to the MBTA as requested.
Project ID Number |
14355 (SFY 2018-21) 14376 (SFY 2022-25) |
Funding Source |
MBTA |
Total Contract* |
$49,000 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$6,000 |
*Multiple contract years are represented.
The MBTA established a Rider Oversight Committee (ROC) in 2004 to provide ongoing public input on a number of different issues, including strategies for increasing ridership, developing new fare structures, and prioritizing capital improvements. Through this contract, CTPS supports the MBTA by providing technical assistance to the ROC on an ongoing basis.
Over the past several years, the assistance provided by CTPS has included offering insights into the MBTA’s planning processes, providing data analysis, and attending committee meetings, at which staff may respond directly to ROC members’ questions.
CTPS will continue to provide technical assistance to the MBTA ROC and attend committee and subcommittee meetings.
Project ID Number |
14358 |
Funding Source |
MBTA |
Total Contract |
$115,000 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$63,000 |
CTPS will support the MBTA in conducting the required Title VI service equity analyses for major service changes that take place during the duration of this contract.
CTPS will conduct service equity analyses for as many as two major service changes.
CTPS will prepare technical memoranda documenting service equity analyses for each major service change.
Project ID Number |
11491 |
Funding Source |
MBTA |
Total Contract |
$18,000 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$6,000 |
The objective of this work is to provide map-making support, upon request from the MBTA. At the time of each request, CTPS will provide the MBTA with an estimate of the specific cost and schedule for completing the map(s).
CTPS will update MBTA maps, upon request from the MBTA, within the budget provided for this project.
Updated district maps to reflect changes in bus routes and bus route garage assignments. Upon request from the MBTA, CTPS staff will update other existing CTPS-created MBTA maps within the budget provided for this project.
Project ID Number |
11495 |
Funding Source |
MassDOT |
Total Contract |
$115,000 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$35,000 |
MassDOT is analyzing alternatives for potential extension of the Silver Line from its current Silver Line 3 terminus in the City of Chelsea to connect through the City of Everett to the MBTA’s Orange Line. CTPS will be engaged to develop ridership projections for this work.
Staff will be provided with station locations and Silver Line operations data for the development of ridership projections for a no-build alternative and for up to four service alternatives using data provided by a MassDOT consultant.
Staff will develop a Ridership Technical Memorandum documenting the assumptions used to generate the ridership projections. Ridership estimates will include estimates of ridership by station and by access mode for specific Silver Line stations, potential connecting MBTA subway and commuter rail stations, and connecting bus routes.
Project ID Number |
11415 |
Funding Source |
MBTA |
Total Contract |
$88,972 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$42,000 |
The MBTA is developing a new AFC system, known as AFC 2.0, to supplant its existing fare payment system. In late 2017, the contract for the design, integration, and implementation of AFC 2.0 was awarded to Cubic | John Laing. This change in the MBTA’s fare payment system will also lead to changes that may negatively affect some riders. The MBTA has requested that CTPS analyze the equity of the impacts of the following three components of AFC 2.0.
Once AFC 2.0 has been implemented, cash will no longer be accepted on board MBTA vehicles. As part of the project the MBTA will be vastly increasing its retail network and installing fare vending machines at bus stops. The MBTA wants to ensure that access to locations where riders may purchase fares using cash is equitable.
Unlike the MBTA’s current system, passengers may need to purchase some types of fare media for a small fee. Accompanied by this change is the ability for passengers to ‘go negative’ in stored value to complete a single, complete one-way trip using that fare media. The MBTA wants to determine whether this fee presents a barrier for riders who are classified as low-income or minority riders. Depending on the findings from the analysis, there may also be an evaluation of the effectiveness of any proposed mitigation from the MBTA.
The new system will also give the MBTA the opportunity to implement fare structure changes, such as allowing discounted transfers between modes that are not currently offered; changing the existing periods of validity for pass products; and eliminating the differential between fares paid using CharlieCards and fares paid using cash or CharlieTickets. The MBTA wants to evaluate whether any proposed fare structure changes would result in inequities.
CTPS will evaluate the distribution of fare vending machines and other fare media sales locations, the equity impacts of charging for a fare card, and a package of various fare structure changes that may be implemented with AFC 2.0. Tasks in this project include
CTPS will produce a memorandum documenting the equity analysis of the set of proposed fare structure changes.
CTPS will produce a memorandum documenting the equity analysis of the fare card fee.
Project ID Number |
14373 |
Funding Source |
MBTA |
Total Contract |
$52,556 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$35,000 |
The MBTA requested that CTPS analyze the impacts of potential changes in fare structure and tariffs for SFY 2023.5-1 CTPS has provided technical assistance to the MBTA related to fare structure and tariff changes for more than 25 years, most recently in SFYs 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2022. In these recent studies, CTPS conducted analyses that included projections of the ridership, revenue, and equity impacts related to the proposed fare change alternatives.
This project will forecast the ridership, revenue, and equity impacts of potential changes in the MBTA’s fare structure and tariffs for SFY 2023. CTPS will analyze as many as two fare-pricing and fare-structure scenarios. Tasks in this project include
CTPS will produce a draft memorandum on the fare change analysis and fare equity analysis for two scenarios.
CTPS will produce a final memorandum on the fare change analysis and fare equity analysis for the final chosen scenario.
Project ID Number |
Varies by Contract |
Funding Source |
Varies |
Total Contract |
$80,000 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$80,000 |
CTPS is assumed to receive revenue from other sources throughout the year. The projection for this revenue is based on past experience.
5-1 In transit planning, “tariff” refers to the official published list of all fares. For the purposes of this work plan, “tariff” refers to the fare levels.
To support core Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) activities and studies, staff conduct various ongoing computer and data resource management and other support activities.
For each activity described in this chapter, we cite the purpose of the work, describe how the work is accomplished, and provide a summary of the anticipated federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 work products. The budget tables at the head of each project description give salary and overhead costs associated with the projects. Any direct costs associated with the projects are included in the Direct Support section.
Table 6-1 summarizes the funding assigned to each of the activities in this chapter that were also assigned in FFY 2021, a summary of the work products and/or progress made in FFY 2021, the funding proposed for each of these activities in FFY 2022, and the anticipated work products and/or progress in FFY 2022.
Although many of the activities in this chapter generally comprise similar tasks from year to year, often there are variations in budgets that reflect greater or lesser emphasis on certain efforts. For example, MPO staff may undertake new or additional data collection and/or analysis under specific line items; the tasks undertaken as part of one line item in one year might be folded into an ongoing activity in a subsequent year; or there simply could be fluctuations in staffing levels. Where appropriate, these differences are explained in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1
CTPS Ongoing Resource Management and Support Activities,
FFY 2021–22
| Project Name | ID | FFY 2021 Funding | FFY 2021 Work Products and Progress | FFY 2022 Funding | FFY 2022 Planned Work Progress and Products |
| CTPS Activities | blank | blank | blank | blank | blank |
| Computer Resource Management | Varies by Task | $334,000 | Provided maintenance and enhancements to CTPS’s desktop and server computer systems; computer network back-up system; and peripheral devices, such as printers, plotters, and mass storage devices. |
$282,000 | Tasks and work products generally remain the same from year to year. |
| Data Resources Management | Varies by Task | $320,100 | Provided database maintenance and enhanced CTPS’s database of standard reference GIS layers and GIS layers required to carry out particular projects. Updated databases with new versions of standard reference GIS layers released by MassGIS, the MassDOT OTP, and other agencies. Created GIS maps, computer map files, tables of socioeconomic and travel-related data, and databases. Analyzed data. |
$218,000 | Tasks and work products generally remain the same from year to year. |
The following sections contain details on the administration, resource management, and support activities undertaken by Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) each FFY.
Project ID Number |
See Individual Tasks Below |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$282,000 |
In order to fulfill the Boston Region MPO functions, CTPS maintains state-of-the-practice computer resources.
CTPS performs the following subtasks as part of computer resource management.
Manage and maintain hardware and software for all CTPS computer systems to ensure that staff has maximum access to the computing resources required for its work, including an intranet site. Continue to ensure the security and integrity of all hardware, software, and data resources. Plan, monitor, and maintain CTPS’s server room and computing facilities.
Develop computer software to support CTPS’s analytical, administrative, and documentation requirements. Maintain and enhance software developed by CTPS and/or others when program maintenance is no longer available from the original vendor.
Assist staff in using computer resources; organize and distribute vendor-supplied documentation; and, where appropriate, provide written and online user guides for particular resources.
Purchase and maintain CTPS’s computing resources. These include in-house assets such as servers, desktop and laptop computers, tablets and handheld computers, mass-storage devices, networking and communications hardware, printers and plotters, system and application software, and consumable supplies. These also include out-of-house resources, such as software purchased as a service, cloud-based storage, and other cloud-based computing resources.
Update the CTPS Five-Year Plan for Computer Resource Development in conjunction with developing the next CTPS budget.
Work on these tasks will continue as described above.
Project ID Number |
See Individual Tasks Below |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$218,000 |
CTPS provides travel data and analyses at regional, corridor, and site-specific levels to support transportation planning and decision-making in the Boston Region MPO area.
The categories below comprise the variety of tasks encompassed by this work.
CTPS will maintain and keep current its database of statistics from the US Census Bureau’s Decennial Census and American Community Survey, and products derived from these sources.
CTPS will process or analyze data upon request to meet the needs of local, state, and federal agencies, and private institutions and firms. The 02 project number is used for data requests handled by CTPS’s Data Resources group; the 03 number is used for data requests handled by all other groups.
CTPS will continue to develop and enhance its stores of spatial and tabular reference data, along with associated tools. CTPS will coordinate data development and distribution internally and cooperate with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Commonwealth’s Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS), Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), and other agencies to prevent duplication of effort, ensure quality, and reduce costs. CTPS’s GIS (spatial) database will be available to staff through both Esri and open-source GIS software, web services, and web applications.
CTPS will continue to develop and maintain a website that provides information regarding the MPO’s activities, reports and studies produced by MPO staff, a data catalogue, and self-service data exploration applications. CTPS will continue to improve the site’s design, content, and accessibility to those who are visually impaired. The website plays a critical role in the MPO’s public participation program by providing information and eliciting public comment. CTPS posts all announcements for MPO and Regional Transportation Advisory Council meetings and committee meetings, as well as their related materials, on the website. During FFY 2022 MPO staff will work to integrate future plans for the website with plans for and procurement of technologies needed to support future digital or hybrid (in-person and digital) MPO meetings and activities.
Work with other public agencies, including MAPC, MassDOT’s Office of Performance Management and Innovation, MassDOT’s Office of Transportation Planning, and MassGIS to encourage sharing of computer and data resources and techniques.
As described above, work will continue on spatial and tabular reference databases, including socioeconomic data, Registry of Motor Vehicles data, and travel data; data processing tools; data analyses; web services and web applications; and responses to data requests.
Project ID Number |
Varies |
MPO 3C Planning Funds |
$92,000 |
Extended FFY 2021 MPO 3C Planning Funds |
$25,000 |
3C-Funded Work Direct Support Total |
$117,000 |
SPR Funds |
$600 |
MassDOT Other Funds |
$0 |
MBTA Funds |
$500 |
Other Funds |
$0 |
Agency-Funded Work Direct Support Total |
$1,100 |
Through this activity, CTPS provides integral direct support for all CTPS projects and functions.
CTPS computer needs are programmed in the CTPS Five-Year Plan for Computer Resource Development, as amended.
Consultants are hired periodically to perform specialized, time-specific tasks as project work demands.
During FFY 2022, CTPS plans to procure support from Caliper, the developer of the travel demand software TransCAD used by the Boston Region MPO. Caliper’s support provides a one-time opportunity to accelerate the development of the next phase of travel demand modeling tools.
Annual dues are paid to some organizations of which the MPO is a member. These organizations provide coordination opportunities with other MPOs and transportation planning resources.
Project-specific printing costs, such as those for surveys, maps, reports, presentation boards, and other informational materials, are included in this budget.
Periodically, the US Department of Transportation and other organizations sponsor courses and seminars that enhance staff’s ability to do project work; the costs of registration, travel, and lodging associated with attending such programs are direct-support expenditures. Mileage, tolls, and parking expenses associated with project work also are charged as direct-support expenditures.
To meet the needs of persons with Limited English Proficiency, the MPO translates vital documents into the six most widely spoken non-English languages in the MPO region, currently Chinese (both traditional and simplified), Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese, which is new for FFY 2022. Translation expenses are considered a direct cost. The MPO also provides real-time interpretation of meetings and events upon request with one week of advance notice, which is also considered a direct cost.
Various other expenditures may become necessary during the term of this Unified Planning Work Program, such as postage for return mail or services for preparing and processing data for specific projects. Other nonrecurring costs, such as software for specific project work, equipment for conducting passenger surveys, or traffic-counting equipment, also may be funded through this line item.
Direct costs include computer and general office equipment, professional consulting services, in-state project-related travel, out-of-state travel associated with staff attendance at professional and training conferences, and other costs deemed appropriate.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) receives approximately 20 percent of the Boston region’s annual combined 3C PL and §5303 funding. With this funding, MAPC staff conduct various studies, technical analyses, and outreach and support activities to help fulfill the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) functions as a regional planning body. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) provides the match to both the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration funds described in this chapter.
Table 7-1
UPWP-Funded MAPC Activities, FFY 2022
| Project Name | ID | FFY 2021 Funding | FFY 2021 Work Products and Progress | FFY 2022 Funding | FFY 2022 Planned Work Products and Progress |
| MAPC Planning Studies and Technical Analyses | |||||
| Corridor/Subarea Planning Studies |
MAPC1 | $191,768 | Parking data for Brookline Avenue in Boston to convert the parking lane to a separated bicycle lane; parking data and analysis for Washington and Cambridge Street in Allston/Brighton for a dedicated bus lane; multimodal transportation recommendations for the Route 1 and Route 1A corridor from Dedham to Foxborough; analysis of commuter rail parking expansion opportunities. | $160,000 | Local parking management plans; data collection and analysis to repurpose on-street parking spaces for dedicated bus and bike lanes; planning products and engagement support for MBTA Better Bus Project; multimodal transportation plans for select corridors or subregions. |
| Alternative-Mode Planning and Coordination |
MAPC2 | $204,713 | Technical memo outlining policy recommendations for the Executive Office of Energy and Environment regarding how to encourage taxi and TNC vehicles to be zero emission; planning and research for the expansion of the BlueBikes bicycle share system; updated LandLine regional greenway map and website www.mapc.ma/landlinemap and https://www.mapc.org/transportation/landline/; data collection for bicycle and pedestrian plans in Milton and Wakefield. | $198,136 | Planning to support the advancement of zero emission vehicles with a focus on charging station siting and incentives for vehicle purchases; expansion and strategic planning of the Blue Bikes bikeshare system; advancement of the LandLine regional greenway system with conceptual planning to connect key gaps and continued updating of region wide mapping tools; completed municipal bicycle and pedestrian plans in Milton and Wakefield. |
| MetroCommon 2050 |
MAPC3 | $95,000 | Process to engage the public, municipalities, and other stakeholders in the development of the updated regional plan. Research to determine major factors affecting the region, including demographic changes, climate change, and technology. | $95,000 | Final updated plan with policy recommendations and identification of planning needs to mitigate impacts of scenarios. |
| Land Use Development Project Reviews |
MAPC4 | $89,696 | Detailed review and technical letters regarding transportation impacts and mitigation of the Allston Multimodal Project, 475-511 Dorchester Avenue in Boston, Redevelopment of the Bayside Expo Center in Boston, and numerous other development sites in the region triggered by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act and/or the City of Boston's local public development review process. | $89,696 | Technical memos with transportation recommendations for development projects and large transportation infrastructure projects with a land use component. |
| Community Transportation Technical Assistance Program* |
MAPC5, 2421 | $48,156 | Support for the MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces program, including hosting numerous webinars to promote the program, support to procure materials, technical assistance in several communities, and hosting a peer exchange to document best practices and lessons learned. | $48,156 | Continue to support local technical assistance requests. |
| MAPC Administration and Support Activities | |||||
| MPO/MAPC Liaison and Support Activities | MAPC6 | $167,000 | Interagency coordination, including developing work scopes and agendas, and participating in advisory and corridor committees. Support for MPO elections and public participation, TIP project evaluations; attend relevant meetings. |
$165,000 | Continue to support the MPO process to develop the TIP, UPWP, and LRTP with robust public engagement, as well as participate in related regional planning efforts conducted by MassDOT, MBTA, municipalities, or federal partners. |
| UPWP Support | MAPC7 | $10,000 | Support the UPWP development process and attend relevant meetings. | $10,000 | Tasks and work products generally remain the same from year to year. |
| Land Use Data and Forecasts for Transportation Modeling | MAPC8 | $95,000 | Continued work in support of operational land use allocation model including data development and analysis, documentation, and mapping products for advanced transportation modeling. |
$95,000 | Improved land use allocation model; multiple demographic and land use scenarios for transportation modeling; updated development data and analysis; documentation; and mapping products to support advanced transportation modeling year to year. |
| Subregional Support Activities | MAPC9 | $187,000 | Support subregional groups. Includes preparing agendas, coordinating with transportation agencies, reviewing transportation studies in subregions, and helping to set subregional transportation priorities. | $187,000 | Tasks and work products generally remain the same from year to year. |
* This program is shared between MAPC and CTPS and is described in Chapter 4.
MAPC conducts transportation planning studies through four ongoing programs: Corridor/Subarea Planning Studies, Alternative Mode Planning and Coordination, MetroCommon 2050 Implementation, and Land Use Development Project Reviews. MAPC and Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) also collaborate on the Community Transportation Technical Assistance Program (MAPC5), which is described in Chapter 4.
Project ID Number |
MAPC1 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$160,000 |
This Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) task includes funding to support MAPC’s work on several corridor and subarea studies in the region. Some of these projects will be funded jointly through the UPWP and other funding that MAPC receives through its assessment on cities and towns, state contracts, and other planning grants.
This area of work is accomplished through the following subtasks.
MAPC will work with selected municipalities to develop local parking management plans to provide optimal parking supply to stimulate local economic prosperity, reduce congestion caused by circling vehicles, help municipalities plan for greater land use density by decreasing parking requirements, and encourage mode shift away from single-occupant vehicle trips. This work will involve on- and off-street parking, as well as understanding trade-offs associated with repurposing on-street parking for dedicated bus lanes, bike lanes, or wider sidewalks. The goal of this work program is to address the problems that municipalities face from not managing their parking supply in commercial and mixed-used areas, and to identify whether space that is currently dedicated for parked cars could be used more efficiently for other transportation or land use purposes. This work would benefit local air quality and congestion by managing parking supply and demand and creating places where people can park once and then walk to multiple destinations. In locations where parking requirements can be reduced, the number of households with one or more vehicles could decline, which could result in higher percentages of walking, biking, and transit ridership.
MAPC will support the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s (MBTA) Better Bus Project, a multifaceted planning effort to improve the bus system through bus priority infrastructure, a redesigned bus network with changed and new routes, an increase in bus vehicles through planning for fleets and facilities, and improved bus stops with better shelters, street furniture, and electronic information signs. MAPC will convene municipal officials and other stakeholders to coordinate planning. MAPC will provide technical assistance at the corridor level to understand the trade-off of repurposing parking or travel lanes for more dedicated bus space. MAPC will support community engagement at the corridor level.
MAPC will work in a selected subregion or roadway corridor to coordinate multimodal transportation planning and transit service operations to be implemented by MassDOT, MBTA, Regional Transit Authorities, Transportation Management Agencies, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), employers, and/or municipalities with local land use planning to achieve livability and smart growth goals. The goal is to provide more mobility options for a variety of different users and trip types.
Project ID Number |
MAPC2 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$198,136 |
MAPC provides alternative-mode transportation-planning support to the Boston Region MPO and municipalities that focuses on non-single-occupancy vehicle modes and promoting zero emission vehicles (ZEV). This work benefits bicycle and pedestrian transportation, encourages transit in areas that currently are underserved by existing RTAs, improves the region’s understanding of transportation network companies, advances ZEVs, and identifies and supports transportation demand management strategies.
This area of work is accomplished through the following subtasks.
MAPC will support municipalities in planning for ZEVs, such as electric vehicle infrastructure, transitioning or retrofitting municipal fleets, advancing electric school buses, promoting zero emission car sharing, and other initiatives. This work will increase the number of ZEVs in the region, thereby helping the state meet greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals.
MAPC will work with municipalities to identify local bicycle and pedestrian improvements with a focus on closing sidewalk gaps, implementing separated bicycle facilities, and other improvements at the local level. This work will lead to better infrastructure and increase the rate of cycling and walking in the region.
MAPC will continue to support municipalities in the region to plan for the implementation and expansion of the BlueBikes bicycle sharing program. This work will include analyzing trip data, supporting station siting, coordinating funding opportunities and new municipalities that join, and researching future governance and funding structures.
MAPC will continue to work with MassDOT, CTPS, DCR, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, municipalities, and trail organizations to plan, map, design, and implement portions of a regional bicycle and pedestrian network of off-road and on-road connections (a greenway) that form a contiguous system around greater Boston. In 2015, MAPC worked with the above-cited partners to develop the branding of this system named the LandLine. The trails consist of shared-use paths along former railroad rights-of-way, hiking trails through conservation land, and historic corridors that connect points of interest. The binding theme of the proposed and completed corridors is creating attractive places to walk, bike, or otherwise travel through low-traffic or no-traffic green areas.
Project ID Number |
MAPC3 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$95,000 |
This UPWP study area will continue to support the ongoing coordination and implementation of our new regional plan, MetroCommon 2050, the Boston region’s 30-year comprehensive plan (through the year 2050) for sustainable equitable growth and development. The new plan establishes goals for topics including mobility, climate mitigation, and resiliency, as well as actionable recommendations needed to accomplish these goals. The agency is aligning its annual workplan and technical assistance priorities to implement the recommendations of MetroCommon.
This area of work is accomplished through the following subtasks.
Changing demographics and location preferences, planned investments in public transportation, and emerging transportation technologies will have a profound influence on the Boston region in the decades ahead. The regional plan includes recommendations for improving mobility, reducing GHG emissions from the transportation sector, and expanding the access, capacity, and affordability of public and active transportation. This task will include outreach and education to municipal leaders about the mobility focused recommendations, seeking commitments to work towards implementing specific action items.
MAPC will continue to work with municipal and state officials and residents to seek changes in land use that will support livable communities and sustainable transportation. This will include engaging the public in planning and dialogue that enhances equitable transit-oriented development planning, and influences other decision-making to improve development outcomes, transportation opportunities, and reduction of GHG emissions. As part of the plan update, we will hold regional discussions regarding challenges and opportunities in making long-term improvements to the Boston region’s transportation system, including restoring and expanding service to equitable transit-oriented development locations. This is especially critical with the new state law that requires our cities and towns to zone for multifamily districts around transit stations. Task outputs are expected to include engaging at least 500 people with a focus on diverse and underserved communities and partnering with organizations that serve those communities. Outputs also include hosting at least 10 different events or activities as part of the engagement.
Incorporation of best practices and evaluation is important to improving MAPC’s work and for advancing implementation at the local and state levels. Transportation and integrated land use planning practices will be evaluated to determine if improvements can be made to our practices, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the equity outcomes and processes of these plans.
Anticipated outcomes include a stronger constituency for sustainable land use and transportation investments and programs; case studies or best practices for regional and local mobility; and local commitments to implement the regional plan’s recommendations.
Project ID Number |
MAPC4 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$89,696 |
This UPWP task supports MAPC’s review of potential development projects in the region. In particular, MAPC will review projects for consistency with its sustainable land use and transportation goals, impacts on the transportation network and projects identified in the TIP and Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), and consistency with the MPO’s livability goals.
MAPC tracks all projects reviewed in the region under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), and provides a regional-planning analysis to MassDOT and the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs for all developments considered to have significant impact. Special attention is given to mitigation and planning requirements that serve to reduce auto travel by encouraging carpooling, transit, parking regulations, and other travel demand management techniques. MAPC coordinates these reviews with MassDOT and the municipalities, and works with MassDOT to identify updated requirements to be included in the transportation impact assessments that must be conducted by developers.
MAPC also reviews notices of offered railroad property from MassDOT, consults with municipalities as necessary, and provides appropriate input. Often, these notices involve rail trails, but they also may involve other types of proposed developments.
Anticipated outcomes include analysis and reports of MEPA reviews, development of mitigation recommendations, coordination with municipalities and transportation agencies, maintenance and updates of MAPC’s development database, and input into the project evaluations for the TIP and LRTP. In addition, MAPC will continue to review and respond to notices of offered railroad property.
The following section contains details on the administration, resource management, and support activities undertaken by MAPC every federal fiscal year.
Project ID Number |
MAPC6 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$165,000 |
This project includes working with MPO members and staff to establish work priorities and meeting agendas. It also includes implementing the continuous, comprehensive, and cooperative (3C) transportation planning process and engagement in regional transportation planning led by MassDOT, the MBTA, or municipalities in the region. It also includes reporting to the MAPC executive committee, MAPC council members, MAPC subregions, and MAPC staff on MPO activities to ensure strong coordination of land use and transportation planning across the region.
In addition to participating in the Boston MPO process, MAPC actively participates in and attends statewide and regional planning committees, task forces, working groups, and commissions to represent the interests of the region, with a particular focus on the critical links between land use and transportation. These committees include the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies; Regional Coordinating Councils; Global Warming Solutions Act Implementation Advisory Committee; MassDOT and MBTA board meetings; and various MassDOT, MBTA, or municipally led transportation working groups or study advisory committees. MAPC will also be actively involved in regional transportation plans and programs related to land use and transportation. Advisory committees may change from year to year as studies are started or completed, but participation in various advisory committees is an ongoing task.
MAPC provides education and outreach for a wide variety of transportation-related and land use-related topics in the region, with emphasis on outreach through the subregions to municipal officials. MAPC also supports CTPS in its outreach to environmental justice and senior populations and to people with disabilities.
Working with the MBTA Advisory Board, MAPC will coordinate and implement annual elections for municipal representatives in the MPO.
MAPC will review PBPP targets and follow progress toward meeting targets and objectives.
MAPC will work with CTPS to finalize the TIP scoring criteria and to advise CTPS about the land use and economic-development aspects of the TIP evaluations. MAPC will provide updated TIP criteria and help implement the comprehensive regional growth plan, MetroCommon. MAPC will evaluate TIP projects and work with municipalities to advance TIP projects.
MAPC will work with CTPS and MassDOT to develop MPO meeting agendas and presentations, and participate in MPO processes.
Outcomes of this program will result in interagency coordination; work scopes and agendas; participation in advisory and corridor committees; public participation and outreach; reports to the MAPC executive committee, MAPC Council members, MAPC subregions, and MAPC staff; MPO elections; PBPP targets and data; LRTP scenarios; TIP criteria update and project evaluations; and attendance at relevant meetings.
Project ID Number |
MAPC7 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$10,000 |
This UPWP task supports MAPC’s management and oversight of UPWP-funded planning studies, projects, and programs, including preparing updates and budget information in monthly reports to MassDOT.
MAPC assists with the annual development of the UPWP and coordinates with MassDOT and CTPS to support development of UPWP project ideas and specific work scopes. Through community liaison and subregional support activities, MAPC staff also helps communities identify and develop studies for inclusion in the UPWP.
MAPC staff will prepare UPWP project listings and monthly reports on UPWP activities. MAPC will assist with annual development of the UPWP and support development of specific project proposals and work scopes. MAPC staff will also provide assistance to communities in identifying and developing studies to be included in the UPWP through community liaison and subregional support activities.
Project ID Number |
MAPC8 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$95,000 |
This program allows MAPC to support the MPO’s planning and decision-making by providing CTPS with detailed population, household, employment, and land use data (current conditions and scenarios of future growth) for transportation modeling and project evaluation.
MAPC will continue to investigate, acquire, and improve additional sources of employment and built environment data to inform land use allocation modeling. MAPC will continue to refine and improve Zoning Atlas data and corresponding development capacity estimates that serve as key inputs to the land use allocation model.
MAPC will continue to monitor development projects that are being planned across the region and will maintain an up-to-date development database in an online portal at www.massbuilds.com. MAPC will support CTPS and MassDOT in applying these data for project evaluation or updates to the regional travel demand model.
MAPC will collaborate with MassDOT and other stakeholders on the development of regional population, household, and employment control totals for the Boston MPO region and the next LRTP.
MAPC will use the UrbanSim Land use allocation model to develop scenarios of future land use, represented as population and employment forecasts at the transportation analysis zone and Census Block level, which can be incorporated into CTPS’s travel demand model.
MAPC will continue frequent and regular communication and coordination with the CTPS modeling staff to support travel model improvements and integration of the land use allocation and travel demand models. MAPC will also help to plan and participate in webinars and other peer exchange opportunities involving other regional agencies to improve our understanding of the state of practice regarding demographic and land use forecasting.
Anticipated outcomes include new data sources; an improved land use allocation model; multiple demographic and land use scenarios for transportation modeling; updated development data and analysis; documentation; and mapping products to support advanced transportation modeling.
Project ID Number |
MAPC9 |
FFY 2022 Total Budget |
$187,000 |
The Boston MPO region consists of 97 cities and towns. The region is subdivided into eight geographic areas that are represented by subregional councils comprising municipal officials, business leaders, community-based organizations, and other local participants. MAPC staff planners are assigned as coordinators to each of the subregional groups to help members develop an understanding of subregional and regional transportation and land use issues. This project supports community involvement in the development of transportation planning documents.
Subregions jointly identify and review the transportation priorities in their areas and recommend subregional projects and priorities for the TIP, LRTP, UPWP, and the MassDOT and MBTA capital investment plans.
Subregional coordinators and MAPC transportation staff report to the MPO through formal and informal communications. MAPC subregional groups will continue to participate in local corridor advisory committees whenever these committees are appropriate vehicles for working on projects in their areas. The subregions will continue to identify priority transportation needs, plan for first- and last-mile connections to transit, identify regional trail connections, pilot new technology to support increased mobility, and engage in the MPO’s PBPP initiative.
MAPC staff ensures timely discussions of transportation-related issues by placing the topics on meeting agendas, leading and participating in the discussions, and distributing appropriate documents and notices relating to region and statewide transportation meetings.
Outcomes of this program include preparing monthly meeting agendas for transportation topics at subregional meetings; coordinating with transportation agencies; reviewing transportation studies in subregions; supporting subregional and corridor advisory committee meetings; generating public input on MPO processes and certification documents; and helping to set subregional transportation priorities.
This chapter contains overall budget information for the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 activities. The information is organized according to the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) categories described in Chapters 3 through 7 and recipient agencies and funding sources are indicated.
| UPWP Work Areas | Total Budget |
| Certification Requirements | $2,867,985 |
| Continuing MPO Planning Studies and Technical Analyses | $304,500 |
| MAPC Planning Studies and Technical Analyses | $590,988 |
| New MPO-Funded Discrete Studies | $600,000 |
| Agency and Other Client Planning Studies and Technical Support | $1,637,800 |
| CTPS Administration, Resource Management, and Support Activities | $500,000 |
| MAPC Resource Management and Support Activities | $457,000 |
| Direct Costs (3C) | $117,000 |
| Total | $7,346,778 |
The funding for the projects, programs, and activities listed in Chapters 3 through 7 comes from the following sources, which are described in Chapter 2.
| Funding Source | Total Programmed Funds |
| FHWA 3C PL/MassDOT Local Match | $3,761,668 |
| MPO FTA 3C PL (Section 5303)/MassDOT Local Match | $1,902,314 |
| Extended FFY 2021 FHWA 3C PL/MassDOT Local Match | $45,000 |
| FHWA SPR/MassDOT Local Match | $586,600 |
| MassDOT | $455,000 |
| MBTA | $516,200 |
The 10 tables on the following pages summarize the funding information presented in the preceding chapters. There is one table for each UPWP category of work conducted by CTPS, one for each UPWP category of work conducted by Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), and two summary tables. These summaries assist federal and state contract administrators in reviewing each work program in detail.
The total federal funding programmed in this UPWP is $5,663,982. All federal funds programmed in the UPWP are awarded to the Boston Region MPO by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) as FHWA 3C Planning (PL) funds. However, these federal funds initially come from two sources: the FHWA and the FTA. The federal funds, which are supplemented by a local match provided by MassDOT, include the following initial sources:
In addition, this UPWP includes $45,000 in carryover FFY 2021 3C PL funds that support the Professional Development task and some direct costs related to travel demand model development.
This budget also reflects projects funded with Statewide Planning and Research and other funds from MassDOT; projects funded with Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority funds; and projects funded from other sources. These projects are listed in Table 8-4.
Project status and financial data reported in the following tables are subject to change.
Table 8-1
UPWP Budget—Certification Requirements for FFY 2022
| Project ID | Name | FFY 2021 CTPS UPWP Budget | Expected Project Status as of 10/1/2021 | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| 9122 | Support to the MPO and its Committees | $229,920 | Ongoing | $240,000 |
| 9322 | Regional Transportation Advisory Council Support | $45,960 | Ongoing | $40,000 |
| 9622 | Public Participation Process | $182,290 | Ongoing | $180,000 |
| 9222 | General Graphics | $85,290 | Ongoing | $93,800 |
| 3122 | Provision of Materials in Accessible Formats | $102,040 | Ongoing | $120,685 |
| 9522 | Professional Development | $52,720 | Ongoing | $64,500 |
| Support to the MPO Subtotal | $698,220 | blank | $718,985 | |
| 8122 | Long-Range Transportation Plan | $324,120 | Ongoing | $326,000 |
| 8222 | Transportation Improvement Program | $278,890 | Ongoing | $274,000 |
| 8822 | Performance-Based Planning and Programming | $153,570 | Ongoing | $125,000 |
| 8422 | Air Quality Conformity Determinations and Support | $34,690 | Ongoing | $25,500 |
| 8322 | Unified Planning Work Program | $127,480 | Ongoing | $116,000 |
| 8522 | Transportation Equity Program | $174,100 | Ongoing | $139,000 |
| 2122 | Congestion Management Process | $118,240 | Ongoing | $100,500 |
| 2222 | Freight Planning Support | $68,340 | Ongoing | $65,000 |
| 7122 | Regional Model Enhancement | $875,370 | Ongoing | $840,000 |
| 7222 | Research Next Generation Data and Tools | $57,790 | Ongoing | $57,000 |
| 8922 | Transit Working Group Support | $64,120 | Ongoing | $50,000 |
| 8722 | MPO Resilience Program | n/a | Ongoing | $11,000 |
| 3C Planning and Other Certification Requirements Activities Subtotal | $2,276,710 | blank | $2,149,000 | |
| Certification Requirements Subtotal | $2,974,930 | blank | $2,867,985 |
Table 8-2
UPWP Budget—Ongoing and Continuing MPO Planning Studies
and Technical Analyses for FFY 2022
| Project ID | Name | FFY 2021 CTPS UPWP Budget | Expected Project Status/Completion as of 10/1/2021 | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| 13421 | Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways FFY 2021 | $127,900 | 75% complete | $19,000 |
| 13521 | Addressing Priority Corridors from the LRTP Needs Assessment FFY 2021 | $137,000 | 75% complete | $24,000 |
| 13621 | Low-Cost Improvements to Express-Highway Bottleneck Locations FFY 2021 | $64,500 | 70% complete | $13,500 |
| 13305 | Intersection Improvement Program | $75,000 | 70% complete | $17,000 |
| Planning Studies Subtotal (Continuing FFY 2021 Initiated Work) | $404,400 | blank | $73,500 | |
| 2322 | Roadway Safety Audits | $13,740 | Ongoing | $13,000 |
| 2722 | Traffic Data Support | $18,180 | Ongoing | $15,000 |
| 4222 | Transit Data Support | $13,730 | Ongoing | $12,000 |
| 2422 | Community Transportation Technical Assistance | $69,190 | Ongoing | $67,000 |
| 2522 | Bicycle and Pedestrian Support Activities | $77,420 | Ongoing | $74,000 |
| 4122 | Regional Transit Service Planning Technical Support | $55,360 | Ongoing | $50,000 |
| Technical Analysis and Support Subtotal | $247,620 | blank | $231,000 | |
| MPO-Funded Planning Studies and Technical Analyses Subtotal | $652,020 | blank | $304,500 |
Table 8-3
UPWP Budget—MPO New Discrete Studies for FFY 2022
| Universe ID | Project ID | Study or Program | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| L-1 | 13310 | Trip Generation Follow-Up | $20,000 |
| L-2 | 13311 | Travel Demand Management Follow-Up | $10,000 |
| L-3 | 13312 | COVID-19 Recovery Research and Technical Assistance | $10,000 |
| M-1 | 13422 | Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways | $133,000 |
| M-2 | 13522 | Addressing Priority Corridors from the LRTP Needs Assessment | $145,000 |
| M-3 | 13722 | Safety and Operations at Selected Intersections | $82,000 |
| M-6 | 13313 | The Future of the Curb Phase 3 | $70,000 |
| T-2 | 13314 | Addressing Equity and Access in the Blue Hills | $40,000 |
| E-2 | 13315 | Identifying Transportation Inequities in the Boston Region | $70,000 |
| O-1 | 20906 | Staff-Generated Research and Technical Assistance | $20,000 |
| Total for New Discrete and Recurring Studies | $600,000 |
Table 8-4
UPWP Budget—New and Continuing Agency Transportation Planning Studies and Technical Analyses for FFY 2022
| Project ID | Name | Total Contracta | Funding Source | FFY 2022 Agency Funds | Direct Support | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| Varies by project | MassDOT SPR Program Supportb |
$1,007,000 | SPR | $586,000 | $600 | $586,600 |
| Varies by project | MassDOT On-Call Projects | $1,150,000 | MassDOT | $350,000 | $0 | $350,000 |
| 13155 | MassDOT Title VI Program | $95,000 | MassDOT | $35,000 | $0 | $35,000 |
| Varies by project | MassDOT Transit Planning Assistancec | n/a | MassDOT 3C PL | $271,505 | $0 | $271,505 |
| 11495 | Silver Line Extension Alternatives | $115,000 | MassDOT | $35,000 | $0 | $35,000 |
| 22216 | Wellington Circle Study | $108,664 | MassDOT | $35,000 | $0 | $35,000 |
| MassDOT Subtotal | blank | blank | blank | $1,041,000 | $600 | $1,041,600 |
| 11415 | AFC 2.0 Equity Analysis | $76,972 | MBTA | $42,000 | $0 | $42,000 |
| 11424 | MBTA 2020 Triennial Title VI Report | $139,632 | MBTA | $14,000 | $0 | $14,000 |
| 11429 | MBTA 2022 Title VI Program Monitoring | $77,000 | MBTA | $53,250 | $250 | $53,500 |
| 11491 | MBTA Mapping Support | $18,000 | MBTA | $6,000 | $0 | $6,000 |
| 14355 | MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Support III | $24,500 | MBTA | $1,500 | $0 | $1,500 |
| 14376 | MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Support IV | $24,500 | MBTA | $4,500 | $0 | $4,500 |
| 14366 | MBTA SFY 2021 National Transit Database (NTD) Support | $123,317 | MBTA | $4,800 | $0 | $4,800 |
| 14372 | MBTA SFY 2022 National Transit Database (NTD) Support | $127,288 | MBTA | $89,850 | $150 | $90,000 |
| 14373 | MBTA SFY 2023 Fare Equity Analysis | $20,000 | MBTA | $27,700 | $0 | $27,700 |
| 14375 | MBTA SFY 2023 National Transit Database (NTD) Support | $132,500 | MBTA | $27,900 | $100 | $28,000 |
| 11422 | MBTA Transit Service Data Collection | $540,000 | MBTA | $194,200 | $0 | $194,200 |
| 14358 | Service Equity Analysis Support to the MBTA | $115,000 | MBTA | $50,000 | $0 | $50,000 |
| MBTA Subtotal | blank | blank | blank | $515,700 | $500 | $516,200 |
| Other (Massport, Municipalities, etc.) | $80,000 | Other | $80,000 | $0 | $80,000 | |
| Other Subtotal | blank | blank | blank | $80,000 | $0 | $80,000 |
| Agency-Funded and Client-Funded Subtotal | blank | blank | blank | $1,636,700 | $1,100 | $1,637,800 |
a The total contract amounts include direct costs. Annual direct costs are not included in the FFY budget amounts in the table and are shown separately in the Direct Support column.
b The total FFY budgets in the UPWP represent a combination of funding from two different contract years. The total contract amount listed for the MassDOT SPR is the total contract amount for the FY 2022 and FY 2023 contracts.
c This project is conducted on behalf of MassDOT but funded through the MPO 3C Planning contract, and thus is not included in totals in this table.
Table 8-5
UPWP Budget—Resource Management and Support Activities for FFY 2022
| Project ID | Name | FFY 2021 CTPS UPWP Budget | Expected Project Status as of 10/1/2022 | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| 6020 | Computer Resource Management | $334,000 | Ongoing | $282,000 |
| 5020 | Data Resources Management | $320,100 | Ongoing | $218,000 |
| Resource Management and Support Activities Subtotal* | $654,100 | blank | $500,000 |
*Does not include Direct Support.
Table 8-6
UPWP Budget—MAPC Planning Studies and Technical Analyses for FFY 2022
| Project ID | Name | FFY 2021 MAPC UPWP Budget | Proposed FFY 2022 MAPC Budget |
| MAPC1 | Corridor/Subarea Planning Studies |
$191,768 | $160,000 |
| MAPC2 | Alternative-Mode Planning and Coordination |
$204,713 | $198,136 |
| MAPC3 | MetroCommon 2050 |
$95,000 | $95,000 |
| MAPC4 | Land Use Development Project Reviews |
$89,696 | $89,696 |
| MAPC5, 2421 | Community Transportation Technical Assistance Program* |
$48,156 | $48,156 |
| MAPC Planning Studies and Technical Analyses Subtotal | blank | $629,333 | $590,988 |
*This project also receives funding from CTPS; these additional funds are accounted for in the CTPS budget.
Table 8-7
UPWP Budget—MAPC Resource Management and Support Activities for FFY 2022
| Project ID | Name | FFY 2021 MAPC UPWP Budget | Proposed FFY 2022 MAPC Budget |
| MAPC6 | MPO/MAPC Liaison and Support Activities | $167,000 | $165,000 |
| MAPC7 | UPWP Support | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| MAPC8 | Land Use Data and Forecasts for Transportation Modeling | $95,000 | $95,000 |
| MAPC9 | Subregional Support Activities | $187,000 | $187,000 |
| MAPC Resource Management and Support Activities | blank | $459,000 | $457,000 |
Table 8-8
UPWP Budget—Summary of FFY 2022 Budgets for CTPS
| 3C Studies and Programs by Budget Categories | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| Resource Management and Support Activities | $500,000 |
| MPO Certification Requirements | $2,847,985 |
| Continuing MPO-Funded Planning Studies and Technical Analyses | $304,500 |
| New MPO-Funded Discrete Studies | $600,000 |
| MassDOT-Directed PL Funds* | $271,505 |
| Direct Support | $117,000 |
| Total for CTPS 3C Studies and Programs | $4,660,990 |
| Agency-Funded CTPS Work | Proposed FFY 2022 CTPS Budget |
| MassDOT SPR Funds | $586,600 |
| MassDOT Other Funds | $455,000 |
| MBTA Funds | $516,200 |
| Other | $80,000 |
| Total for Agency-Funded CTPS Project Work | $1,637,800 |
| Total FFY 2022 CTPS Budget (3C + Agency Work) | $6,298,790 |
Note: Budget figures include salary, overhead, and direct support.
* This project is conducted on behalf of MassDOT but funded through the MPO 3C contract.
Table 8-9
UPWP Budget—Summary of FFY 2022 Budgets for MAPC
| 3C Studies and Programs by MAPC Budget Categories |
Proposed FFY 2022 MAPC Budget |
| MAPC Planning Studies and Technical Analyses | $590,988 |
| MAPC Administration, Resource Management, and Support Activities | $457,000 |
| Total MAPC FFY 2021 UPWP Programmed Funds | $1,047,988 |
Table 8-10
UPWP Budget—3C Budget and Overall Budget for FFY 2022
| Agency Supporting MPO/3C Work | Proposed FFY 2022 Budget |
| CTPS | $4,660,990 |
| MAPC | $1,047,988 |
| 3C Budget Subtotal | $5,708,978 |
| Agency-Funded CTPS Work | $1,637,800 |
| FFY 2022 UPWP Budget | $7,346,778 |