About the Regional Transportation Planning Office
Information about our office
The Regional Transportation Planning Office (RTPO) plans for and funds regional transportation networks for those who drive, walk, bike, roll, take transit, deliver freight, or travel by other modes.
When it comes to planning for the future of transportation in Mesa County, the RTPO plays a critical role. The RTPO is the designated umbrella organization that provides technical and administrative staff for the:
- Grand Valley Transit
- Grand Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
- Grand Valley Transportation Planning Region (TPR)
The MPO boundary includes Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and the urban portions of unincorporated Mesa County. The Grand Valley TPR boundary includes all of Mesa County, including Collbran and De Beque.
| Grand Valley TPR | Grand Valley MPO | Grand Valley Transit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Roles of the RTPO | One of 15 regions in Colorado that has a voice on statewide transportation policy, plans, and issues | A regional planning and programming organization that is federally required for 50,000+ people | The public transit and paratransit service provider connecting the Grand Valley |
| Population | 155,702 (2020) | ~141,500 (2020) | ~117,500 (2020) |
| Square Miles | 3,341 | 128 | 69 |
| Established | 1992 | 1982 | 2000 |
| Areas of Service | All of Mesa County, including Collbran and De Beque |
Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and the urban portions of unincorporated Mesa County | Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and the urban portions of unincorporated Mesa County |
More about transportation in the Grand Valley
Having MPO and TPR designation allows for federal and state funding to be programmed and used in the region. There are two documents that guide transportation in the Grand Valley:
- A 20-year Regional Transportation Plan provides a long-term vision that drives the prioritization, funding, and development of transportation improvements. RTPO staff are continuously working on implementing the latest plan. This plan is updated every 5 years.
- The Transportation Improvement Program is a short-range plan that identifies currently funded transportation projects. Projects identified in Transportation Improvement Programs from across Colorado are wrapped into the State Transportation Improvement Program.
The RTPO is led by the Grand Valley Regional Transportation Committee and advised by the Technical Advisory Committee, Mobile Mesa County Alliance, and Mesa County Regional Transportation Safety Task Force.