NTTA Will Build State Highway 161 Extension
Activity just to the east of the famously clogged State Highway 360 could help reduce travel time for
200,000 people who use the highway each day. And now the question of who will finish building the
much-needed State Highway 161 has been answered. <More>

Turning Momentum into Action
A Message from Michael Morris,
Transportation Director
The stratospheric rise in the cost of oil is affecting transportation throughout the country and region. It doesn't matter if your chief concern is driving to work in the morning or building the roads our residents use to get to their jobs; expensive oil has become
life-altering. <More>
The call for increased rail transit has grown substantially louder.

Mayor has Big Hopes for McKinney's Future
Regional Transportation Council Member Profile
Bill Whitfield, Mayor, City of McKinney
McKinney Mayor Bill Whitfield has witnessed dramatic changes to his city since moving to the Collin County community 16 years ago. When Whitfield and his family arrived in the fast-growing northern suburb, McKinney's population was 23,000. Today, more than 118,000 people call McKinney home, according to recently released estimates from the North Central Texas Council of Governments. <More>
The Texas Department of Transportation estimated that SH 121's completion was accelerated 25 years by the decision to fund it with toll revenue.

Air Quality Prominent in Residents' Minds
Air quality has garnered attention across the region in recent years, with leaders in business and government embracing the fight for cleaner air. The North Central Texas Council of Governments found in a recent survey that air quality occupies a prominent place in the minds of many residents. <More>
Passenger rail and safety and security also topped the list of important transportation issues in a recent survey of Mobility Matters readers.

North Texas Loses Legendary
Transportation Leader
Collin County Commissioner Jack Hatchell's contributions to transportation can be seen throughout the region. As a transportation engineer, Hatchell was involved in planning and designing numerous roadways. <More>
Jack Hatchell helped shape transportation policy in North Texas as a member of the Regional Transportation Council for 17 years.

New Vehicle Boosts Department Air
Quality Outreach Efforts
NCTCOG Transportation Department recently acquired a Ford Escape hybrid to assist with public outreach and public meetings, provide shuttle services to and from the Trinity Railway express station, and aid with technology demonstrations. <More>
The hybrid vehicle has a fuel economy of 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Answers to Recently Received Questions from North Texans
Q: With more new residents, why isn't transportation revenue increasing?

Q: Do you work with local governments to change land use before the rail is laid?

Q: Are the number of free lanes on the section of Loop 820 and I.H. 35W when you get to SH 183 dwindling to one?

<More>