MOVING FORWARD

The implementation of the HATS Regional Active Transportation Plan will be a long-term effort that relies on the work of a variety of groups, organizations, and individuals. The Action Items previously identified in the ATP and summarized in the Implementation Activities Table provide a road map to the incremental, multi-faceted, ongoing approach that will define the success of this plan and the vision it sets out.

This incremental, multi-faceted approach to implementation will be achieved through four ongoing processes – integration, collaboration, outreach, and plan updates - each of which is described in more detail in the text below.

The table (right) summarizes the Implementation Activities of each Action Item, while also listing relevant strategies and important partners for each. While the general public is not listed as a specific partner for any of the identified Implementation Activities, they should be considered an important stakeholder for all and involved as the implementation of the ATP progresses. Engaging and getting "buy in" from these partners and the general public in the Implementation Activities will prove critical. While HATS staff will provide leadership and guidance, it is through the cooperative effort of all these groups that the ATP's vision will be achieved.

Action Item Implementation Activities (click to expand)

ONGOING INTEGRATION

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region, HATS undertakes various transportation planning activities and processes including development of a long-range transportation plan (known as the HATS Regional Transportation Plan) and transportation improvement program, as well as other plans focused on safety, congestion, freight, and public transit. Since this is a Regional Active Transportation Plan undertaken by the MPO, a key aspect of implementation will be integrating the Plan into these existing planning activities, processes and documents.

This integration will include the following:

Updating the Regional Transportation Plan Project Pipeline to reflect the data and priorities of the Active Transportation Plan

Refining the evaluation criteria for Transportation Alternative Set Aside (TASA) to prioritize connections identified in this Active Transportation Plan

Integrating priorities and action items from this Active Transportation Plan into other regional planning efforts including safety and congestion management planning

This integration is particularly important for Action Items related to building physical infrastructure and improvements. Decisions on project programming and funding are guided by the planning processes and documents discussed above, making consistency between this and other plans imperative to ensure federal and state construction funds are used effectively to implement the priorities identified in this Plan.

Partners in ONGOING INTEGRATION include PennDOT, DCNR, DCED, county planning commissions, and local municipalities.

ONGOING COLLABORATION

Active transportation planning in the region is done not only by HATS, but also by local municipalities, other government agencies, NGOs and regional stakeholders. Collaboration between HATS staff and these other partners improves consistency between planning efforts at different geographic scales (regional, county, municipal, or corridor-specific) while also aligning – and thus maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness – decisions each organization or agency makes regarding funding of projects.

To accomplish this collaboration, HATS staff will work cooperatively with state agencies including DCNR, DCED, and PennDOT to review multimodal/active transportation projects and funding awards for opportunities for shared or coordinated projects. Additionally, HATS staff will advocate to municipal partners to encourage the use/enforcement of all available tools to support Active Transportation, including zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, and official maps.

Partners in ONGOING COLLABORATION include PennDOT, county planning commissions, local municipalities, and the region’s bike/ped/mobility advocates.

ONGOING OUTREACH

Extensive outreach to the region’s stakeholders, government agencies, local municipalities, and regional community was a key aspect in the development of this Active Transportation Plan, and it will remain a key aspect moving forward into implementation. These ONGOING OUTREACH efforts will focus on gathering input from the general public and stakeholders on needs and issues related to Active Transportation in the region and advocating to local municipalities, government agencies, and other decision-makers on adopting policies and taking actions to make using Active Transportation easier, safer, and more convenient.

An annual roundtable will be held by HATS staff, bringing together the regional partners and organizations discussed above. This roundtable will be an opportunity for a cooperative and supportive environment in which HATS staff and state agencies can update partners and municipalities on statewide and regional efforts, new programs or design guidance, or even funding opportunities while regional partners can update HATS staff and state agencies on their own planning efforts or new issues.

Partners in ONGOING OUTREACH include PennDOT, local municipalities, the region’s bike/ped/mobility advocates, Plain Sect communities, and the regional community.

ONGOING UPDATES

From the earliest stages of development, this Active Transportation Plan was designed to be adaptable to be relevant into the future. New ideas and priorities are always being developed in the municipal or county bike/ped plans or corridor-specific studies…and this Plan needs to reflect these changes. As those plans and studies are finalized and adopted, HATS staff will update this Active Transportation Plan, as appropriate, with a particular focus on the Regional Backbone, Short-Term Priorities, and Long-Term Priorities. Additionally, as new design guidelines, funding opportunities, or general guidance become available, the Resources page of this Plan will be updated.

Partners in ONGOING UPDATES include any group or organization actively developing plans, studies, or resources related to Active Transportation that are submitted to HATS.