AdvancedTopic 92 of 112Civil & Structural
Transportation planning
Forecasts travel demand and chooses modes and networks.
In depth
Transportation planning uses the four-step model: trip generation, distribution, mode choice and assignment. Considers land use, demand forecasts, level of service, environmental and economic evaluation. Modern focus on multimodality, transit and demand management.
Key points
- Origin-destination surveys
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Accessibility
ExampleA new metro line is justified by forecast ridership and travel-time savings.
Transport planning forecasts demand and chooses networks and modes, so it decides where roads, rail and public transport are needed.
What is Transportation planning?
Forecasts travel demand and chooses modes and networks.
Why is it important to understand transportation planning?
Transport planning forecasts demand and chooses networks and modes, so it decides where roads, rail and public transport are needed.
What are the four stages of transport planning?
Trip generation, distribution, mode choice and assignment, which together predict flows on each route.
Why is transport planning important?
Good plans reduce congestion and emissions while supporting economic activity and access to jobs and services.
How is Transportation planning used in practice?
Typical applications include forecasting traffic growth for a new motorway corridor, comparing the cost and benefits of a bus rapid transit route and estimating the number of commuters for a new rail station.
What should I learn before Transportation planning?
Study "Coastal and harbour engineering" first (topic 91 of 112 in Civil & Structural). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Transportation planning?
Origin-destination surveys. Cost-benefit analysis. Accessibility.
Can you give an example of Transportation planning?
A new metro line is justified by forecast ridership and travel-time savings.
What comes after Transportation planning?
The next topic is "Highway geometric design", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Transportation planning?
It is classed as Advanced in Civil & Structural (topic 92 of 112). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Civil & Structural.