Frequently Asked Questions

PennDOT reviews and considers each submitted comment before finalizing transportation plans and programs. Your comments are kept as official project documentation.

You can help shape your local transportation facilities and the future of Pennsylvania’s transportation system. Your comments are also carefully considered before the update of any plan or program. You can get involved by:

• Participating in an upcoming event
• Attend a public meeting
• Take the transportation survey
• Explore local opportunities

ACT 120 of 1970 established the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the State Transportation Commission (STC), and the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and their roles in the transportation system.

PA State Law, Act 120 of 1970, established the Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission (STC) to serve as PennDOT’s board of directors.

The Commission has 15 members:

• Secretary of Transportation, who serves as Chairperson of the STC
• Chair and Minority Chair of the Committee on Transportation of the Senate
• Chair and Minority Chair of the Committee on Transportation of the House of Representatives
• 10 additional Governor-appointed members who must meet the following conditions:
  • Not more than five members shall be in the same political party
  • One resident of Philadelphia
  • One resident of Allegheny County
  • At least one member should hold a private pilot's license and derive part of his or her livelihood from aviation-related activities or be actively involved in aviation
  • Two members must be from the board of directors of a transportation authority
  • Present members of the commission should be entitled to complete their present terms and may be reappointed

Any Pennsylvania state senator or representative who serves as a member of the STC has the power to appoint a designee who will have the same rights and privileges when attending a STC meeting on behalf of the legislative member.

Learn more about the STC here. 

PA State Law, Act 120 of 1970, established the Pennsylvania Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) to advise the State Transportation Commission (STC) and the PennDOT Secretary of Transportation.

The Committee consists of 30 members as follows:

• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of Planning and Policy (Office of the Governor)
• Chair of the Public Utility Commission
• Secretary of Community and Economic Development
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Environmental Protection
• Secretary of Agriculture
• Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker and who are not members of the same political party
• Two members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore and who are not members of the same political party
• 19 public members
  • Seven Governor-appointed members
  • Six members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
  • Six members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives

Public members must have recent and extensive experience and knowledge in the fields of transportation of people and goods from industry, labor, academic, consulting, research sources and the appointing authorities shall give due consideration to ensure a balanced representation by facilities and modes for air, land, and water transportation as they exist in the Commonwealth, both public and private. 

Learn more about the TAC here.

The following plans and programs are required by the Federal Government to receive federal funding for transportation:

• Regional Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTP)
• Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
• Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP)
• Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

Pennsylvania State Law, Act 120 of 1970, as amended, requires PennDOT to prepare, update, and submit the Twelve Year Program every two years.

All of Pennsylvania’s transportation plans and programs work together to determine future transportation projects based on needs and available funds.