Area-wide planning encompasses planning at the statewide and regional levels, including statewide transportation planning required by federal and state regulations, as well as transportation planning conducted by MPOs and RPOs. The focus in area-wide planning is on the transportation system level and the identification of candidate projects and priorities. CSS integration is used to address contextual priorities within the geography, sometimes without a direct link to a specific transportation project.

Further Reading:

Area-wide Transportation Planning - CSS Quick Facts