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Passengers on Cape Cod’s public transportation network have a variety of ways to catch a ride, but by far, the most popular way is to flag a bus down anywhere along its route. While convenient, this method does pose some safety challenges. To help assess the most popular access points, the Cape Cod Commission and Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority collaborated to develop an online tool that, using ridership data from 2022, shows where riders are getting on and off the bus.   

Each year, the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization, with advisement from the Joint Transportation Committee, guidance from Cape Cod Commission transportation staff, and input from the public, helps to create the Transportation Improvement Program and Unified Planning Work Program to guide funding for infrastructure improvement projects on Cape Cod. 

Eight Cape Cod organizations have been awarded a total of $300,000 in Cape Cod and Islands License Plate Grant funds to support initiatives that advance regional economic diversity and sustainability. The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners approved the awards on January 28, 2025, as recommended by the Barnstable County Economic Development Council (BCEDC). 

The Cape Cod Commission launched the Freshwater Initiative in 2022, responding to growing concerns about the health of the region's 890 ponds and lakes. Cape Cod's freshwater resources are dynamic natural systems that contribute to the region's identity. A strategy to support protection and restoration of Cape Cod’s ponds is nearly complete. It includes data, research, and re

The Town of Eastham has partnered with the Cape Cod Commission to develop a municipal climate action plan. This plan builds on Eastham's ongoing planning efforts, including its hazard mitigation plan, participation in the state's Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, and involvement in the Cape Cod Commission’s Low-Lying Roads project.  The Cape Cod Climate Action Plan identifies municipal climate action planning as a critical strategy to support local adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency mea

The Seasonal Communities designation recognizes Massachusetts communities with substantial seasonal variations in housing demand, visitor populations, and employment. The designation provides distinctive tools to address these unique housing needs. The law also created the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council to provide expertise on issues related to municipal government, the hospitality and tourism industries, housing law, and housing development and finance. The Council offers advice and recommendations on policies and programs tailored to the needs of seasonal communities. The Advisory Council held its first meeting earlier this month.

Built in 1935, the Bourne and Sagamore bridges span the Cape Cod Canal and connect residents, businesses, and visitors on the Cape and Islands to the mainland. The bridges are essential for general transportation, freight, and tourism, and in an emergency are critical routes for evacuation. The bridges are the only connection to and from Cape Cod for vehicular traffic. 

The nearly 90-year-old bridges are both considered “functionally obsolete” and a plan to replace both bridges is underway. Much has happened this year to bring us toward construction

The Cape Cod Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a list of transportation system projects to be implemented with federal and state funds available for Cape Cod. The TIP is developed and approved by the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization, the regional body comprised of local, regional, state, and federal officials charged with overseeing the region's transportation planning process.   

The following are updates on some of the TIP-funded projects underway across the region. 

This Regulatory Update provides a status on projects currently under review by the Cape Cod Commission. Visit www.capecodcommission.org/regulatory for a full overview of our Regulatory program and answers to frequently asked questions.   

So much of our daily lives happen online - connecting with friends and family, paying bills, managing healthcare, completing school or professional work, and staying involved in the community. The Cape Cod Commission is working with several towns in the region to complete digital equity plans to ensure no one feels left behind in this increasingly online world.  Digital equity plans in Bourne, Sandwich, and Orleans are complete, and the Commission is currently collaborating with Barnstable and Falmouth.