10/09/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Table of Contents
Transportation planning is the first step in the development a mobility system and infrastructure-whether in urban, suburban or rural areas. Proper transportation planning is crucial for urban and regional development, impacting how people, goods and data move within and between communities. Effective, efficient, and equitable multimodal transportation planning is essential for cities, regional transportation authorities, and metropolitan planning organizations to prioritize resources to ensure mobility, safety, and economic vitality.
This guide is for those new to the field, providing an overview of transportation planning and exploring its importance, how it works, best practices, and more.
Transportation planning involves evaluating, assessing, forecasting, designing, and ultimately implementing strategies to improve the efficiency and safety of transportation. This encompasses a wide range of activities, from beginning with the assessment of existing conditions and long-term strategic planning to the day-to-day management of transportation networks. The goal is to create a balanced, equitable, and sustainable multimodal system that meets the mobility needs of all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, motorists, and goods.
Cities and regions use these strategies to properly direct and control growth, help the economy, and promote the well-being of their constituents.
Learn more about how Iteris Transportation Planning Services can help achieve these goals.
Transportation planning is a multi-step process that typically involves setting a vision and goals, collecting data, engaging stakeholders, analyzing and modeling scenarios, developing a plan, implementing the plan, and continuously monitoring and evaluating the transportation system's performance.
Advanced technologies, tools and techniques, such as traffic microsimulation and travel demand forecasting, play a crucial role in the transportation planning process. These tools help planners visualize the impact of different scenarios, compare alternatives, optimize traffic flow, and make data-driven decisions.
Here's more info on some of the necessary steps involved:
Effective transportation planning requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, businesses, and the public. By working together, these groups can develop comprehensive plans that address the diverse needs of the community.
Understanding key terms is essential for grasping the nuances of transportation and traffic planning. Here are a few important ones:
Comprehensive transportation planning offers numerous advantages that contribute to the overall well-being and development of communities, including:
Here are some practical examples of transportation planning that Iteris has led and/or been a major contributor to:
Traffic Circulation & Safety Study - Santa Ynez Valley, CA: This study assessed and identified improvements for the multimodal transportation needs of the Santa Ynez Valley. Iteris conducted a quantitative assessment of travel conditions and recommended both short- and long-term improvements to accommodate increasing demand and improve safety.
Last-Mile Freight Delivery Study - Los Angeles, CA: Iteris examined urban delivery operations in Los Angeles to understand community impacts and recommended strategies to optimize curb space usage and delivery efficiency.
U.S. 101 Connected Communities Multi-Modal Corridor Study - Ventura County, CA: This study focused on reducing congestion and improving transportation options along U.S. Route 101. Iteris used advanced modeling to evaluate various improvement alternatives and their impact on mobility and land use.
Warner Center Specific Plan and Nexus Study - Los Angeles CA: Iteris provided a range of transportation planning services throughout the development of Warner Center, which is one of the largest multi-use activity centers in the City of Los Angeles. consisting of office, retail, research and development, industrial, and residential land uses.
Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study - Santa Clara County, CA: Iteris led a multi-jurisdictional two-year effort to create a shared vision for the future of the Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor. The study included extensive community engagement to understand the challenges and opportunities in the corridor. Those insights were used to develop a long-term vision for the corridor and an implementation plan to reach the vision.
For other case studies, visit Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB).
At Iteris, with nearly 20 years of experience in transportation planning, we've learned a few key strategies that make a significant difference.
By following these tips, you can develop effective, sustainable, and well-supported transportation plans. For additional guidance, check out NACTO's publications for best practices.
What is the role of technology in transportation planning? Technology is crucial for data collection, traffic analysis/forecasting, and traffic management strategies. Tools like traffic microsimulation and travel demand forecasting help planners optimize traffic flow and predict future travel patterns.
How can transportation planning improve public transit? Effective planning optimizes routes, improves service frequency, and ensures accessibility. It helps design transit networks that connect key origins and destinations and integrates various transportation modes for seamless travel.
What are the challenges of multimodal transportation planning? Challenges include coordinating and prioritizing different modes, securing funding, and properly and equitably addressing diverse user needs. Planners must balance the requirements of pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, motorists, and freight movement. Explore the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) technical resources for additional guidance.
How do planners address environmental impacts? Planners promote sustainable transportation options and conduct environmental impact assessments to evaluate the effects of traffic on air quality, noise, and natural habitats. Mitigation strategies include designing for adequate capacity, energy-efficient systems, and preserving green spaces.
How is public involvement integrated into transportation planning? Public involvement is key! We achieve it through meetings, surveys, and workshops to gather input and build consensus. This ensures that we consider constituents' needs and fosters shared ownership. Public outreach and involvement are required elements of planning and environmental impact assessment of all transportation projects.
What is the importance of corridor assessments? Corridor assessments evaluate specific transportation corridors to identify needs and opportunities for multimodal improvement. They help enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and improve safety, guiding resource allocation effectively.
How do transportation planners ensure equity? Equity means providing all community members with fair and affordable access to transportation services. Planners engage diverse stakeholders, identify barriers, and implement inclusive policies to ensure transportation is affordable and accessible.
What are some innovative approaches in transportation planning? Innovations include smart technologies like connected vehicle systems, real-time traffic data analytics, and adaptive traffic control. Complete streets initiatives also prioritize safe, accessible travel for all users, including transit, pedestrians and cyclists.
Community members may oppose projects due to concerns about cost, environmental impact, or neighborhood changes. Projects must comply with numerous regulations and standards, complicating planning and implementation. Incorporating new technologies into existing infrastructure can be complex and costly. However, as financial resources become strained, securing adequate funding may be one of the biggest challenges. It requires identifying and pursuing various sources, including federal, state, and local grants. Many local and regional agencies, through voter approval, have created special sales tax or other funding measures that are earmarked for transportation and are tied to specific projects. Use of innovative public/private partnership (PPP) strategies where applicable can also be effective in overcoming public funding shortages.
Iteris consulting and planning teams offer expert advice and concrete steps to help agencies tap into federal transportation grant funding opportunities. Our staff has extensive experience in finding, securing, and leveraging grant funding for transportation projects. Whether you need grant writing assistance, project planning help, or technology solutions, you can consult an Iteris grant expert.
Examples of grant programs are federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART), and Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN). These grants provide significant opportunities for projects that enhance safety, mobility, and technological innovation.
Here are some steps to help you secure funding:
Transportation planning is a dynamic field crucial for shaping the mobility, safety, and sustainability of our communities. Local municipalities, regional transportation authorities, and metropolitan planning organizations can develop effective strategies to meet their unique transportation needs by understanding its importance, processes, and challenges. As technology and societal needs continue to evolve, so too will the approaches and solutions.
If you're ready to improve your community's transportation systems, contact Iteris for a consultation or to learn more about our comprehensive transportation planning services.
A Few Key References
If you are interested in learning more about transportation engineering, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Transportation Engineering by Monique Fuhrman, PE.
About the Authors:
Viggen Davidian, P.E. is vice president, mobility professional services at Iteris. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
Sean Daly is senior manager, mobility professional services at Iteris. Connect with him on LinkedIn.