Manual on Urban Planning Chapter VII: Transportation Planning

Formulating and testing a major urban transportation plan is a continuing process requiring a coordinated approach by many professional disciplines. Travel projections for the design year result from comprehensive data collection surveys, analyses of tabulated results, use of mathematical projection models, and forecasts of population and socioeconomic characteristics of the study area. In the process, recommendations are made as to components of the total transportation system. Planning for various classes of roadways, mass transportation, and terminals requires the testing of several alternative configurations. Decisions as to the proper amount of capacity by the several modes of travel in response to the probable modal split of total travel potential, must be made individually for each urban area. The final plans must also recognize the potentials for joint development of travel corridors by both arteries and structures, environmental and cultural needs of the residents, and convenience and safety for the user. Successful implementation of the recommended plan requires policy actions, continuing review, periodic updating, and positive, cooperative action by the sponsoring agencies.