The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Long-Range Transportation Plan represents the state's vision for providing its residents, visitors, and businesses with a world-class transportation system. The Plan establishes principles, policies, and recommendations that are designed to improve transportation mobility throughout the Commonwealth, and to facilitate economic vitality and enhanced quality of life.

The Plan articulates a balanced, multi-modal vision for the future of the Commonwealth's transportation system that is based on three key policies:

• Fix It First - preserving our existing infrastructure in all modes
• Communities First - supporting investment and development decisions that enhance our natural and built environments while retaining our vital community character
• Smart Growth/Sustainable Development - promoting housing and employment patterns that make the most efficient and effective use of our infrastructure investments; preserve our natural and cultural landscapes; and provide equity in transportation services

The Executive Office of Transportation conducted a comprehensive, multi-pronged public involvement program to get feedback and new ideas. After releasing the Plan in draft form in 2005, EOT held ten public meetings throughout the state to inform and get input from as broad a range of participants as possible. At the same time, EOT convened a dedicated Advisory Committee which reviewed the Plan in detail, and met numerous times to guide the development of the final plan. EOT also organized five roundtables that brought together recognized thought leaders to discuss specific policy areas, and made presentations to elected officials and 25 stakeholder organizations.

This public outreach paid off in the form of hundreds of letters on the Plan, which contained a total of more than 1,400 individual comments and suggestions. Thanks to the efforts of all the participants and stakeholders, the Plan is a thorough, forward-looking blueprint for the Commonwealth's transportation future.