THE TRANSPORTATION MANAGER: AN EVOLVING CONCEPT

Solutions to the new transportation needs of the United States require the development of problem-solving skills, which augment the historical role of the highway engineer and highway planner. This new role, the transportation manager, is the direct result of several factors in our environment and, more particularly, in our transportation systems. For example, although vehicle kilometers of travel are projected to increase by 39 percent by 1985, resistance to new highway construction is increasing, and mass transit is severely limited in its ability to serve peak-hour commuter needs by using expensive vehicles and full-time labor. As a result, the focus of transportation activities is shifting to improved management techniques. The new transportation needs will require individuals who have a different perspective and approach than that of the traditional engineer or planner. The new management emphasis will address more day-to-day decision making and have the opportunity to initiate low-cost, incremental changes to systems that are reversible on short notice. Cost/benefit analyses of detailed planning efforts associated with such incremental efforts reveal that the transportation manager will consume less resources in examining the data and undertaking corrective action. The paper will trace the development of public involvement in transportation to demonstrate the evolving needs of transportation and the orientation toward the professional urban transportation manager. (Author)