EVOLUTIONS IN URBAN TRANSPORT PLANNING PROCESS

The traditional urban transport planning (UTP) process dating back to the 1950's was based on the premise that capacity requirements of urban transport networks should be dimensioned to meet predicted demand. The modelling was biased in favour of predicting an ever-increasing share of private car trips. The ever-expanding urban road transport system, has been accompanied by high community costs in road fatalities and injuries, congestion, massive capital investment and environmental degradation. Transport systems management since late 1970's stressed better use of existing systems, developing short-term projects for transport system improvements and managing travel demand. The emphasis is on sustainable urban transport. This has involved a remarkable shift towards the treatment of non-car modes in the planning process. Revival of public transport and development of cycling strategies are given major emphasis in the process. This paper highlights the salient shifts in objectives, processes and the current thinking behind urban transport system development. Examples from major Australian cities are cited. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E210528.