Transportation Planning Specialists
Overview
Transportation Planning Specialists design how people and goods move around a city or region, both now and in the future. They collect and analyze data on traffic counts, bus and train ridership, land use, and population growth, then use tools like GIS mapping software and traffic modeling programs (such as TransCAD or VISUM) to test different ideas, like new bus routes, bike lanes, or highway changes. They also lead public meetings, write reports, and work with engineers and government officials to choose transportation projects that are safe, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible.
Did you know?
Most positions require a master's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or transportation planning, along with ongoing professional development to stay current with federal regulations and emerging technologies.
At a Glance
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Programming
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.
- Collaborate with other professionals to develop sustainable transportation strategies at the local, regional, or national level.
- Participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.
- Evaluate transportation-related consequences of federal or state legislative proposals.
- Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.
- Direct urban traffic counting programs.
- Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.
- Represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.
- Prepare reports or recommendations on transportation planning.
- Define or update information such as urban boundaries or classification of roadways.
- Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.
- Analyze information from traffic counting programs.
- Design transportation surveys to identify areas of public concern.
- Interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.
- Prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.
- Design new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian projects, bus facilities, or car parking areas.
- Evaluate transportation project needs or costs.
- Review development plans for transportation system effects, infrastructure requirements, or compliance with applicable transportation regulations.
- Develop or test new methods or models of transportation analysis.
- Produce environmental documents, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.
- Develop computer models to address transportation planning issues.
- Define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.
Career Considerations
Educational Requirements and Professional Development
Most positions require a master's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or transportation planning, along with ongoing professional development to stay current with federal regulations and emerging technologies.
Federal Funding and Regulatory Knowledge
Success requires deep understanding of federal transportation funding mechanisms, environmental compliance requirements like NEPA, and the complex interplay between federal, state, and local transportation policies.
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management
The role demands strong communication skills to facilitate public meetings, coordinate with diverse community groups, and build consensus among stakeholders with competing transportation priorities.