Urban Transportation Planning Process

Flashcards covering definitions, model stages, study types, and general policies of urban transportation planning based on the lecture notes.

Urban Transportation Planning

Transportation planning applied to urban areas, where population, land use, travel needs, and transportation systems are closely connected.

Transportation Planning

The process of identifying transportation needs and developing strategies, facilities, and services to meet the present and future movement needs of people and goods.

Efficiency (Importance of Transportation Planning)

The effective use and management of transportation resources.

Quality (Importance of Transportation Planning)

Reducing negative impacts of transportation.

Equity (Importance of Transportation Planning)

Meeting travel demands of different communities.

Short-Term Planning

Planning that focuses on matters that can be completed within a shorter period and may improve existing transportation systems.

Long-Term Planning

More structured planning that considers future transportation needs for period of 5 or more years, with urban planning looking 20–25 years ahead.

Research / Study (Transportation Planning Process)

The step in the transportation planning process focused on understanding current transportation demand and conditions.

Forecast (Transportation Planning Process)

The step in the transportation planning process that predicts future travel demand and formulates recommendations.

Evaluation (Transportation Planning Process)

The step in the transportation planning process that determines whether proposed plans meet demand and benefit the community.

Implementation (Transportation Planning Process)

The step in the transportation planning process that puts the selected transportation plan into action.

Monitoring & Review (Transportation Planning Process)

The step in the transportation planning process that checks the performance and progress of the plan.

Trip Generation

The first stage of the Four-Stage Travel Demand Model that determines how many trips are produced and attracted.

Trip Distribution

The second stage of the Four-Stage Travel Demand Model that determines where the trips go.

Modal Split

The third stage of the Four-Stage Travel Demand Model that determines which transportation mode is used.

Traffic Assignment

The fourth stage of the Four-Stage Travel Demand Model that determines which roads or routes are used.

Origin-Destination (O-D) Studies

Studies that determine where trips begin and end, show patterns and nature of daily trips by residents, and determine if the existing road system is adequate.

Traffic Volume Studies

A transportation study that measures the number of vehicles, pedestrians, or other road users passing a particular point on a road during a specific period of time.

Spot Speed Studies

Studies conducted to estimate the distribution of speeds of vehicles in a stream of traffic at a particular location, valid only for conditions existing at the time of study.

Travel Time and Delay Studies

Studies that determine the amount of time required to travel from one point to another on a given route, including location, duration, and causes of delays to indicate level of service.

Parking Studies

Systematic data collection efforts used to evaluate the supply, demand, usage, and turnover of vehicle parking spaces within a specific area.

Safety (General Policy)

A policy stating that transportation facilities should be planned and designed to minimize accidents and protect pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, and motorists.

Efficiency (General Policy)

A policy stating that the transportation system should provide smooth and reliable movement of people and goods while reducing traffic congestion and travel time.

Accessibility and Mobility (General Policy)

A policy stating that transportation services should be accessible to all sectors of society, including people with disabilities, elderly people, and low-income communities.

Environmental Sustainability (General Policy)

A policy stating that planning should consider air pollution, noise, greenhouse gas emissions, natural resources, and other environmental effects.

Economic Efficiency (General Policy)

A policy stating that transportation projects should make effective use of available funds and provide benefits that justify construction, operation, and maintenance costs.

Land-Use and Transportation Coordination (General Policy)

A policy stating that transportation planning should be integrated with land-use and urban development plans to prevent unnecessary travel and support organized growth.

Equity and Social Responsibility (General Policy)

A policy stating that transportation investments and services should be distributed fairly so that different communities have reasonable access to transportation opportunities.

Public Participation (General Policy)

A policy stating that the public and affected communities should be involved in transportation planning and decision-making.

Proper Maintenance (General Policy)

A policy stating that existing transportation infrastructure should be regularly maintained and improved before new facilities are constructed when appropriate.