2026 Regional Transportation Plan
At the center of the transportation planning process is the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Updated on a 4-year cycle, the RTP is a long-term (20+ year) blueprint for the region’s transportation system, and encompasses projects for all types of travel, including freight, intermodal and aviation. The plan includes the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) designed to help reduce emissions from passenger vehicle travel. The plan is accompanied by a program level environmental document that analyzes cumulative impacts, and the regional air quality conformity analysis required by federal regulations.
Now Available
The 55-day public review and comment period for the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan / Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) begins May 8, 2026. The 45-day public review and comment period for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) begins May 18, 2026. The 30-day public review and comment period for the Draft 2027 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and corresponding Conformity Analysis begins June 1, 2026.
Comments are welcomed at the public hearing 6:00 P.M. June 1, 2026 (Tehachapi) and 6:30 P.M. June 18, 2026 (Bakersfield) or may be submitted in writing by 5:00 PM July 2, 2026.
A video presentation (25 min.) highlighting some of Kern’s more than 60 transformative success stories implementing California’s SB 375 greenhouse gas reductions regulations over the first decade and a half.
Notice of Preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report for the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan – April 21, 2025
- Preliminary Timeline 2026 RTP/SCS
- 2026 RTP Long Range Transportation Plan Project Listing – Third Look – September 2025
- 2026 RTP SCS Outreach Meeting schedule
- Regional Planning Advisory Committee Agendas & Minutes – SCS oversight committee
Sign Up Here to get updates on the 2026 RTP/SCS development.
Learn about the Draft 2026 RTP/SCS in-person at local City Council meetings or the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting
| Date | Location |
| Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM | California City Council meeting |
| Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Maricopa Council meeting |
| Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM | McFarland Council meeting |
| Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Shafter Council meeting |
| Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Taft Council meeting |
| Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Wasco Council meeting |
| Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Ridgecrest Council meeting |
| Monday, June 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Tehachapi Council meeting |
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 3:30 PM | Bakersfield Council meeting |
| Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Arvin Council meeting |
| Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM | Delano Council meeting |
| Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM | Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting |
Thank you for all that provided input on our RTP/SCS in previous events! (English and Spanish Flyer Here)