[Caltrans] – With seven workshops and a webinar slated for March, Caltrans invites the public to help shape the state’s transportation future by offering their input and comments on the California Transportation Plan 2040, which lays out a vision for California’s transportation future to support a vibrant economy and our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

“We are creating a long-term vision for California’s transportation system, and the public will play a key role in that,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “We are looking at innovative ways on how to best improve the sustainability of the state’s transportation system through strategies such as more transit service, safer bicycling and walking facilities and reduced congestion through less single occupant vehicle use.”

The CTP 2040 is a statewide policy plan designed to meet California’s future transportation needs and to support achieving a statewide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. It envisions a fully integrated, multimodal and sustainable transportation system.

The interactive workshops will include a short overview presentation, maps and exhibits, and activities to share information about transportation concerns. They will also help shape the final CTP 2040 document, which will help inform how California transportation dollars are invested. Caltrans is also seeking the public’s input to help insure that the CTP 2040 is fully consistent with the department’s mission, vision and goals to reduce single occupant vehicle use, promote active transportation to reduce emissions and improve public health and support the “Complete Streets” principle.

Caltrans has scheduled these events throughout the month for public comment. The public can also review and comment on the plan, in addition to doing so via these events, at www.californiatransportationplan2040.org. The deadline for comments is April 17, 2015.

The CTP 2040 scenarios also support the Governor’s goal to reduce petroleum use in vehicles by up to 50 percent by 2030.

For an opportunity to review and comment on the draft plan, please attend any of these seven public workshops:

• Sacramento: 4-7 p.m., March 10, North Natomas Library, 4660 Via Ingoglia

• Redding: 4-7 p.m., March 12, City of Redding Community Room, 777 Cypress Ave.

• San Diego: 4-7 p.m., March 17, San Diego Valencia Park/Malcolm X Public Library, 5148 Market St.

• Riverside: 4-7 p.m., March 18, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Ave.

• Los Angeles: 4-7 p.m., March 19, Southern California Association of Governments, 818 West 7th St., 12th Floor

• Fresno: 4-7 p.m., March 24, Fresno City College, 1101 East University Ave.

• Oakland: 4-7 p.m., March 26, Joseph P. Bort Metrocenter, 101 Eighth St., Oakland

• Webinar: 2-3 p.m., March 5, visit www.californiatransportationplan2040.org

The development of the CTP is an open and collaborative planning process that includes governmental agencies, the private sector, advocacy groups, community organizations, and the public. To view the draft plan, informational materials, and to receive more details on the public workshops, please visit: www.californiatransportationplan2040.org

Those unable to attend a meeting in person, can comment via an email to ctp2040@dot.ca.gov or by sending a letter or a completed comment card to: California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning, Office of State Planning, 1120 N St., MS 32, Sacramento, CA 95814. Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m., April 17.

Providing safe mobility for all users—including pedestrians, transit riders, bicyclists and motorists—supports the mission of Caltrans to “Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability.” The CTP 2040 helps support this mission while furthering an ongoing conversation about California’s transportation future. Each year, Caltrans conducts numerous community and public outreach events and workshops to solicit public input and comment, including on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transportation. Last year, Caltrans also hosted multiple community meetings across California about how to improve transportation between regions of the state as part of the “Interregional Transportation Strategic Plan.” To keep up on current information about the department, follow Caltrans on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CaltransHQ or visit http://www.dot.ca.gov.