Urban Mass Transportation Planning

Municipal engineers are frequently responsible for the implementation of mass transportation plans and the maintenance and operation of mass transportation systems. To adequately perform these functions they must be involved in the preparation of urban transportation plans and be acquainted with the transportation planning process. The planning process is presented with examples from specific cities throughout the U.S. and the areas are identified in which the municipal engineers can most actively participate. The relationship of transportation planning to other elements of comprehensive planning and of local planning to regional planning is explored. Also, the various transportation modes, e.g. auto, train, bus, airplane are presented as parts of a comprehensive urban transportation system. Federal financial assistance plays an important role in the development of urban transportation systems and it is necessary for the engineer to be familiar with the various programs from which funds may be obtained for mass transportation. Brief descriptions of these programs are presented.