Texas Transit Association

At the February 23, 2006 Texas Transportation Commission meeting, the Commission proposed adoption of new rules to the Texas Transportation Code related to the awarding of Transportation Development Credits formerly referred to as Toll Credits.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will conduct a public hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rule changes on March 31, 2006 at TxDOT, 125 E. 11^th Street in Austin. The public hearing begins at 10:30 but those wishing to speak may register beginning at 10:00 am. Written comments must be submitted to TxDOT no later than April 10, 2006.

These new rules will affect Transportation Development Credits for public transportation. Under the proposed rules, public transportation projects will compete with highway, rail, bicycle and pedestrian projects. Project selection will be based on a competitive process based on five key criteria. The five key criteria include how the project will: reduce congestion, expand economic opportunity, enhance safety, improve air quality and increase the value of transportation assets. Projects located within a Metropolitan Planning Organization boundary must have the endorsement of the MPO to be considered. TxDOT will periodically conduct a call for projects in the Texas Register.

The proposed rules may be reviewed in the Texas Register or at the TxDOT web site at www.dot.state.tx.us under the Commission meetings section.

For more information please contact the TTA office.