Transportation Planning

Transportation planning is the process of designing and evaluating transportation systems to meet the needs of a community. Effective transportation planning is crucial for developing infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of communities. Key goals include creating mobility options for residents of all ages and ability levels and connecting neighborhoods to the broader region. To achieve these goals, states spent $213.8 billion on transportation infrastructure and projects in fiscal year 2023. Just over one-quarter of these funds came from the federal government, with the remainder from the states.

Transportation planning involves assessing current and future transportation demands, integrating various modes of transport, and considering the social, economic, and environmental impacts of options. When done well, it ensures safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of people and goods. It can also contribute to community revitalization and equitable economic and social outcomes.

Prioritizing projects and deciding how to spend transportation dollars requires coordination among policymakers and planners at the federal, regional, state, and local levels. It also involves meaningful community input from people with a wide range of backgrounds, incomes, ages, and ability levels.

Federal, regional, state, and local governments all play key roles in transportation planning:

• The federal government provides technical assistance and oversight.
• Regional metropolitan planning organizations plan for federal transportation investment and conduct regional planning.
• State transportation departments participate in the regional process, prepare statewide long-range transportation plans, and maintain state-owned public infrastructure.
• Local governments develop and maintain public infrastructure and often participate in state and regional planning processes.

Planning is more effective when mobility service providers share data with transportation planners. Local officials can more effectively manage public rights-of-way when they receive trip-level data from mobility service providers such as micromobility, ride-hailing, and self-driving car companies. Data-sharing allows them to evaluate the impact on congestion, traffic patterns, and public transportation use. That ensures that services are provided equitably. It also helps planners ensure safe passage for pedestrians, including people with disabilities and those with other mobility limitations. However, data-sharing can also pose privacy and security concerns, particularly when personally identifiable data are included (see also Consumer Data Issues).

Curbside management: This refers to decisions about how to use the space along the sidewalk and the curb. It has become more important with the growth of ride-hailing, deliveries, micromobility devices, and so-called streeteries (outdoor dining located in public places such as sidewalks, parking spots, and roadways). Effective curbside management ensures efficient use of space. It can also promote livability, improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, and support restaurants and small businesses. Conversely, poor curbside management can result in inefficient use of land, double parking, and passenger drop-offs away from an accessible curb and sidewalk. These situations are particularly dangerous for older adults and people with disabilities.