6 Steps to Develop an Effective Metropolitan Transportation Planning

Transportation plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic health and quality of life of people living in any city. It influences both private and commercial fleet movement by providing access to goods, healthcare, commercial activities, and public safety through mobility. One of the main objectives of transportation planning process is to link traffic to the societal goals. In this post, we would discuss the steps involved in the long-range transportation planning in Sydney and other metropolitans in Australia. 

Step 1 – Setting up transportation goals

The first step towards formulating a long-range transportation plan is to establish the goals and objectives. Transport objectives need to be specific enough to provide a roadmap towards development, and should also be flexible to respond to any changes in conditions, or during emergencies.

 

Step 2 – Analyzing current situation

After setting the goals, the next step is to evaluate the conditions of the existing transportation system. The evaluation will help assess the gaps that are prevalent in the existing conditions and the objectives. 

When conducting the analysis, authorities:

 

1. Define the geographic limits of the transportation system

2. Define potential impact on environment

3. Define what exact information would be needed  

 

Besides these broad objectives, at the micro level, a traffic management system also needs to implement lane control, variable message signs, and speed limits are used on different roads and highways.

Step 3 – Gap Analysis

This method helps assess the differences between an existing and future transportation system. Gap analysis leads to need assessment that helps to determine the required steps to be taken to fill the gap. Simply put, a comprehensive analysis provides insights into the technological requirements, determine the costs associated, and anticipate the future impact on people and the economy. 

 

Step 4 – Prioritization

It is imperative to set clear priorities to achieve the objectives set as part of transportation planning. Considering the various scope of improvements in transport, prioritization is essential. The process of prioritization includes establishing a formal prioritization ranking criteria similar to the one used in developing the statewide plan and applying it consistently to all projects and programs. The ranking criteria consider various factors such as system, environmental, social, and economic factors.

 

Step 5 – Establishing a funding plan

Once the transportation needs and priorities have been identified, make a cost estimation. It will help compare the cost estimates with the available fund and establish a realistic funding plan. Some of the costs to consider include design, engineering, maintenance, construction, and planning costs. While making a funding plan don’t forget to include revenues expected from existing and potential sources. 

 

Step 6 – Implement and monitor the plan

Effective implementation and continuous monitoring are the two keys to a successful transportation planning in Sydney or other metropolitan cities in Australia. Keep a track of the activities, and in case, any deviations happen related to strategy implementation, project timeline, or some other issue, address them immediately. A counter action plan should also be ready and implemented whenever required.

 

Traffic Engineering Solutions are not an optional thing anymore; it is bare necessity. Taking the help of professionals can help you tackle problems with faulty parking lot designs and traffic surge. 

 

Conclusion

Transportation is an integral part of an overall economic development strategy of the state governments in the metropolitan cities to achieve their larger goals. Therefore, at the time of transportation planning, the focus traffic engineers and consultants should not be limited to movement of people and goods across the country. It should ideally touch the other aspects of a city life too. For example, it needs to consider various factors such as social equity, ecological sustainability, economic development, public health, and quality of life.