Your March 23 editorial “Road map” correctly identifies the opportunity for Toledo and surrounding areas in Lucas, Wood, and southern Monroe counties to develop a long-range transportation plan. You are on target about the weak transit component in our transportation system and the need to build on the positive experience of other communities across the country.

However, getting it right in the plan is only part of the story. The planning process also needs to integrate land use and community and regional development goals. This has been a key part of the success in other metropolitan areas that have greatly strengthened their competitive advantage by producing more desirable and viable communities.

The cities, towns, and rural communities of greater Toledo have many assets that need to be woven together to help the region reach its maximum potential as a better place to live, work, and play.

Once an appropriate plan is adopted by the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, it is essential that community leaders — especially elected officials — make every effort to follow through to turn the plan into reality.

RONALD SHECK

Sylvania

Editor’s note: The writer is a retired transportation administrator and chairman of the advocacy group All Aboard Ohio.

First Published April 13, 2014, 4:00 a.m.