PennDOT invites public to participate planning process

The plan is available through March 11

PennDOT wants people to help decide how they can participate in their public transportation planning process.

The state agency is providing a draft of the 2020 Public Transportation Plan on how PennDOT responds to the day-today needs of commuters driving to work, going to stores, taking public transportation, bicycling and more.

It does not focus on individual projects.

The plan is available for review and public comment from Jan. 27 to March 11 on PennDOT’s website: www.PennDOT. gov/PublicParticipation.

A paper copy is available for the public to review and comment weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Berks County Planning Commission office on the 14th floor of the Berks County Services Center, 633 Court St.

The plan provides details on how the public can get involved in developing 25-, 12- and fouryear transportation plans as required by law.

PennDOT works with local planning groups that include the Reading Area Transportation Study group. That group consists of state, local and federal planners, and representatives of BARTA and Reading Regional Airport.

“This is a good way for the public to get involved in transportation planning,” Alan D. Piper, Berks County transportation planner, said.

PennDOT, which has an annual budget of $3.8 billion, oversees programs and policies affecting 120,000 miles of highways and 25,400 bridges.