The optimal plan for improving highway facilities and transit facilities in an urban area may be selected by comparing the benefits to travel users with the cost of right-of-way and construction of the improvements. Highway user benefits include faster travel, accident reduction, and savings in vehicle operating cost. Transit user benefits consist of faster travel and reduced transit agency operating cost. Average weekday travel patterns at some future horizon year, the result of traffic assignments, serve as the basis for estimating the economic performance of alternate plans. The development of the optimal highway and transit plans for the Chicago urban area provides a practical demonstration of the economic evaluation technique.

An examination of current transportation planning methodologies is presented in the context of true comprehensive planning. The steps for planning a transportation system are considered in six categories—inventory and history, travel characteristics, projections, deficiency estimates, choosing the plan, and implementing the plan. The different study approaches and degrees of detail possible are examined. The development of a comprehensive transportation plan should result in three integrated phases—a general plan, a definitive plan, and an effectuation plan. These plans should include major streets and highways, parking and circulation for the central business district, mass transit, and terminal facilities for rail, water, and air movements. Close coordination of all these media is essential.

Transportation planning Is presented as one component of comprehensive city or regional planning. Comprehensive planning for a metropolitan area includes land use, community facilities, transportation, regulatory measures, and financing. Comprehensive city planning tries to mitigate conflicting purposes or goals in order to enable the city to move forward progressively. Transportation planning steps are indicated, and the influence of transportation on urban growth is examined. The need for planning as a continuing process is emphasized.