A study required by FHWA and FTA in their Metropolitan Planning Final Rules of November 29, 1993. The MIS is an evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alternative transportation investments in attaining local, State, and regional goals and objectives for the metropolitan area. The study uses a cooperative process which leads to a decision on the design concept and fiscal scope of an investment(s). The recommended design concepts(s) may result in additional development as a transportation project(s).
A planning process previously used by the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) to evaluate transit projects. The Alternatives Analysis and Draft Environmental Impact Study (AA/DEIS) have replaced the MIS.
a federal process for identifying, evaluating and selecting transportation alternatives that address specific problems
a tool for making better decisions at an early time in the transportation planning process
Is a subset of the more comprehensive metropolitan transportation system planning process. An MIS is conducted when it is determined that there is a need to address transportation needs on a corridor or subarea scale using more focused analyses to help decision-makers understand the options for addressing corridor- or subarea-level transportation problems. The intent is to provide the MPO, the state DOT, transit operators, and other local decision-makers with more comprehensive corridor and/or subarea technical analysis early in the transportation decision-making process. An MIS is required in a metropolitan area, where the need to consider a major transportation investment is identified, and where federal funds are potentially involved.
The MIS is an evaluation of the effectiveness (such as level of use and ability to meet the mobility needs of the public) and cost-effectiveness of alternative transportation investments in attaining local, State, and regional goals and objectives for the metropolitan area. The study uses a cooperative process which leads to a decision on the design concept and fiscal scope of an investment(s). The recommended design concept(s) may result in additional development as a transportation project(s).
A study that reviews and evaluates a range of alternatives for proposed transportation improvements in a corridor or subarea.