At their meeting on October 4, 2017, the Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) adopted the Highlands Transit Plan. This is the first adopted transit plan for Highlands County. With extensive public input, the plan identifies local needs and transit preferences. The strategic vision will guide the planning, development, and implementation of potential future public transportation services.
With an adopted plan, the HRTPO will begin the administrative year-long process to become eligible to receive the state and federal funds that are set aside for public transportation in Highlands County. For more information or updates on the Highlands Transit Plan, contact Marybeth Soderstrom at (863) 534-7130 x 134.
The Highlands Transit Plan, led by the Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO), is a Transit Development Plan (TDP) for Highlands County. The plan will help establish a strategic vision to guide the planning, development, and implementation of public transportation services over the next 10 years. Developed through a collaborative process and based on the community’s vision, the plan is updated every five years. The plan is required by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to be eligible to receive state funding for public transportation.
View the Executive Summary
View the Highlands Transit Plan
For more information, please contact Marybeth Soderstrom, Transportation Director, by email msoderstrom@cfrpc.org, mail to 555 East Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830, or call (863) 534-7130 x 134. Printed copies are available upon request.
Plan Progress:
✔ Evaluating demographics and travel behavior/patterns: View the Draft Technical Memo #1 Baseline Conditions
✔ Evaluating Demand and Mobility Needs: View an overview of results from the Needs Survey and interviews conducted
✔ Develop Goals and Objectives
✔ Identifying and prioritizing public transportation service and capital needs
✔ Developing a 10-year service, financial & implementation plan
✔ Conducting extensive public involvement & community outreach throughout the process
✔ Adopt Highlands Transit Plan
Why is your input important?
Your input contributed greatly to developing this initial Highlands Transit Plan. Early input received was used to help establish the community’s public transportation needs. During later phases of the plan development process, the additional public input helped to confirm and prioritize alternatives for inclusion in the 10-year service, financial & implementation plan.
Input received in early 2017 helped to identify the needs of the community through:
- 25 Stakeholder interviews
- Transportation Needs Survey (~770 responses)
- Community workshops in Sebring, Sun n’ Lake, and Lake Placid
- Community events
- Informational materials and presentations
- Website, email blasts, flyers
Public Workshops & Events
Past Events:
- October 4 – HRTPO Board Meeting
- July 18 – Board Workshop
- June 21 – HRTPO Board Meeting
- May 4 – Community Workshop
- April 12 – Transit Forum
- Feb 27 & March 2 – Community Workshops
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, income, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Marybeth Soderstrom, HRTPO Title VI/Nondiscrimination Coordinator, 863-534-7130, extension 134 (voice), or via Florida Relay Service 711, or by email: msoderstrom@cfrpc.org.