Transportation planning and its importance

Transportation planning is the systematic process of studying present and future travel demand and deciding the facilities (roads, terminals, services) and policies needed to meet it safely, economically and with minimum harm to the environment.

Steps (briefly)

Setting goals -> data collection (inventory, traffic, socio-economic) -> forecasting demand (trip generation, distribution, mode choice, assignment) -> preparing and evaluating alternatives -> selecting the plan -> implementation and monitoring.

Importance

1. Efficient use of funds: projects are chosen in order of benefit-cost ratio, so scarce money is not wasted.
2. Meets future demand: forecasts growth so that roads do not become congested early.
3. Reduces congestion, accidents and pollution by planning network, public transport and traffic management.
4. Balanced regional development: connects backward areas with markets and services.
5. Integrates land use and transport, so that new development gets access and does not overload old roads.
6. Mode coordination: road, rail, air and public transport work together.
7. Saves time and operating cost for the users and the nation.
8. Gives a framework for private investment and for good policy and legal decisions.
9. Environmental and social protection by studying impacts before the work starts.