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Transportation Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Q: What is the TPO?
A: The St. Lucie Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is a countywide agency that is responsible for transportation planning and programming for the expenditure of state and federal transportation funds. The TPO is mandated by federal and state law to provide a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive transportation planning process in order for federal and state transportation funds to be spent in the St. Lucie TPO area.  The St. Lucie TPO identifies the need, timing and phasing of future transportation improvements.

Q: Who is the TPO?
A: The St. Lucie TPO is governed by a Board, which is composed of elected officials from St. Lucie County, the City of Fort Pierce, the City of Port St. Lucie, the St. Lucie County School Board and Community Transit.  In addition, the TPO has several advisory committees, including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).

Q: When does the TPO meet?
A: The TPO Board meets the first Wednesday of every other month at different locations.

Q: What is the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)? 
A: The LRTP is the 20-year plan for transportation improvements in the St. Lucie TPO area. The LRTP is a financially feasible document, based on revenue forecasts provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.  The LRTP uses existing and future socioeconomic data to forecast transportation needs.

Q: What is the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)? 
A: The TIP is a five-year plan detailing the expenditures of state and federal transportation funds within the TPO area. Projects must be included in the TIP in order to be implemented.  The TIP also includes information about locally funded projects.

Q: What are traffic counts?
A: Traffic counts record the number of vehicles using the roadway and are used to evaluate the level of service of a roadway or to plan for improvements or resurfacing.

Q: If I don’t or can’t drive, what options are available to me?
A: Transportation choices depend heavily on where you live and your travel destination.  The TPO and the Local Coordinating Board for the Transportation Disadvantaged (LCB) guide and coordinate transportation services with the goal of improving mobility for children at high risk, the elderly, persons with physical or mental disabilities and the economically disadvantaged.  The Transportation Disadvantaged Ride Guide is a publication to assist those who need information about transportation options.

Q: What is being done to make travel safer for pedestrians and bicyclists?
A:  The TPO collects and analyzes crash data with specific attention paid to accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians.  This information guides decision making about signals, signs, sidewalks and bike lanes.  The TPO partners on projects with local governments, the St. Lucie County School Board and community groups to make roads and sidewalks safer for pedestrians and bicyclists and to provide safety education programs.

Q: How can I become involved in transportation planning?
A: All regular meetings of the St. Lucie TPO and advisory committees are open to the public.  You are invited to attend these meetings and provide your comments or suggestions.