The Transportation Improvement Program or TIP, as it is commonly referred, is document outlining a four-year, multi-stage program of transportation improvements. The TIP is composed of two parts: (1) TIP Document and (2) TIP Project List. The TIP includes all capital and non-capital surface transportation projects (or phases of projects) within the boundaries of the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) proposed for funding under 23 U.S.C. and 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53, including transportation enhancements; Federal Lands Highway program projects; safety projects included in the State's Strategic Highway Safety Plan; trails projects; pedestrian walkways; and bicycle facilities. 

The MPO, in cooperation with the State(s) and any affected public transportation operator(s), is responsible for developing a TIP for the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA). The TIP covers a period of no less than four years and is updated every two years to coincide with the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) update cycle.  The TIP must be approved by the MPO Policy Board, INDOT, FHWA, FTA, and the Governor. The TIP expires when the FHWA/FTA approval of the STIP expires. In nonattainment and maintenance areas (like the Anderson MPA), projects are subject to transportation conformity requirements. The FHWA and FTA, as well as the MPO, must make a conformity determination on any updated or amended TIP, in accordance with the Clean Air Act requirements and the EPA's transportation conformity regulations (40 CFR part 93).