chapter 3 approaches to and concepts in transportation planning

Chapter 3Approaches to and concepts in

Transportation Planning

STUDY OBJECTIVES

• Briefly explain the systems approach to the transport planning process

• Briefly explain the cyclic approach to the transport planning process

• Understand the importance of land-use and transport planning in the public sector

• Have insight into, and be able to explain, the integrated transport planning approach with specific reference to its purpose, framework, and underlying principles

• Outline the basic integrated transport plan and its elements

• Explain various important concepts used in transportation planning

• Outline the concept of business and marketing plans in public transport

• Discuss the concepts, and important role, of the implementation, monitoring and review stages in the transport planning process

3.1 NEW APPROACHES TO THE TRANSPORTATION PLANNINGPROCESS

3.1.1 INTRODUCTION

2 approaches to transport planning:

The systems approach, and the cyclic approach.

3.1.1 INTRODUCTION cont’

Past:• if the land-use pattern of a town or city could

be defined for some future date then• the associated traffic pattern could also be

determined and• a suitable transport system designed to fit in.

• This approach fails to recognise that traffic flows alter in response to changing land-use patterns and vice versa

• A city should be seen as a system which evolves, where land uses and traffic flows are interdependent.

3.1.1 INTRODUCTION cont’

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH

This approach argues that: Transport facilities fulfill a market role in

determining the amount of land that is available for development at different levels of accessibility;

A transport system should not be chosen exclusively on its ability to meet travel demand.

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH cont’

The design of a transport system should be achieved by a process of successively constrained choices.

• Sequence of constrained choices for the SYSTEMS APPROACH:

i. Specify the long-run developmental objectives for the region.

E.G. have strong central area and avoid low-density peripheral (outside) areas

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH cont’

ii. Identify the location and investment decisions which together move in the direction of the first level objectives,

e.g. housing investment would have to be diverted from peripheral areas into the existing built-up area;

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH cont’

iii. Specify the levels of accessibility needed to induce (create) the locational and investment changes required to achieve the long-run developmental objectives

e.g. ensure poor accessibility to the peripheral areas, and good accessibility within the built-up area

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH cont’

iv. Designate the levels of service implied by the accessibility conditions,

e.g. high-speed public transport within the built-up area, with low-speed motor vehicle access on dual-purpose streets from peripheral (outside) areas.

SYSTEMS APPROACH is characterized by: • the desire to identify and define the objectives

of the overall urban system, including the transport system.

• This procedure is based on the use of criteria and standards which are related to the original objectives.

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH cont’

Advantages:1. It allows for the implementation of transport

proposals to be used positively as a determinant of urban form.

2. It can be applied to assess the impact of transport proposals on the short-term movement habits

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH cont’

3. It can be applied to assess the impact of transport proposals on the long-term locational behaviour of firms and individuals.

4. It also enables modifications to be made to the preferred urban structure in the light of the impact of the implementation of transport proposals.

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH cont’

• The systems approach distinguishes between urban transport planning as an engineering exercise, on the one hand, and as the design of a framework for the interaction for a viable urban community on the other.

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH cont’

Drawbacks (disadvantages)1. It is very difficult to develop true alternative

structures and policies if the starting point of the exercise is one set of common objectives.

2. The complex interrelationships involved in its application could well be self-defeating unless handled by experienced professionals.

3.1.2 THE SYSTEMS APPROACH cont’

3.1.3 THE CYCLIC APPROACH

• The cyclic approach is concerned primarily with the development of true alternative sets of plans or policies.

• Rather than having a traditional and basically linear progression from a common set of objectives there should be alternative sets of plans and policies to evaluation and selection.

3.1.3 THE CYCLIC APPROACH cont’

• A cyclic planning process solves this with each cycle commencing with the formulation (or re-formulation) of design, criteria, standards and proposed policies for each alternative to be tested.

• At the end of each cycle conclusions are drawn and decisions made in order to determine which aspects of the alternatives should be considered further.

Advantages:1. It ensures that different goals and objectives

can be derived from each alternative (in contrast to the traditional and systems approaches which rely on the formulation of one set of common goals).

2. This in turn makes it easier to develop plans and policies, which are true alternatives.

3.1.3 THE CYCLIC APPROACH cont’

Drawback (disadvantage)• Difficult to practically implement

3.1.3 THE CYCLIC APPROACH cont’

3.2 THE INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING APPROACH

3.2.1 PURPOSE OF INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING

The purpose of integrated transport planning is to resolve transport issues and problems in accordance with the goals and objectives of the authority.

3.2.1 PURPOSE OF INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING cont’

• Transport planning must be integrated with other branches of community planning, notably land use and development planning.

The process includes:• identifying goals and objectives and • generating,evaluating and implementing

policies, strategies and projects in order to achieve the stated goals and objectives.

• Issues and problems are the reason for undertaking transport planning.

• Goals and objectives provide its focus and policies,

• and strategies and projects are its products.

3.2.1 PURPOSE OF INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING cont’

Thus, an integrated transport plan might include all or some of the following:

i. a land use framework and strategyii. policies and strategies for infrastructure

provisioniii. travel and congestion management policies

and strategiesiv. public transport policies and strategies;

3.2.1 PURPOSE OF INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING cont’

v. private transport policies and strategies regulating the movements of private cars, vans, light delivery vehicles (LDVs), motor cycles, bicycles and pedestrians.

vi. freight movement and loadingvii. a supply management strategy for public

transport detailing the integrated network and permission policies for corridors and routes;

3.2.1 PURPOSE OF INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING cont’

viii. Road traffic safety policies and strategies;ix. an integrated long-tern, financial plan;x. a business marketing plan for public

transport; andxi. a short-term prioritised rolling budget for

implementation of the plan.

3.2.1 PURPOSE OF INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING cont’

3.2.2 FRAMEWORK FOR GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERGRATED

TRANSPORT PLANSThe main components of an integrated transport

plan, can be differentiated as:• core activities - planning activities which are

common to all the major components of an integrated transport plan; and

• functional activities or plan - which are specialist plans within the overall integrated transport plan.

3.2.3 PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE INTEGRATED TRANSPORT

PLANNING PROCESSA) PLANNING AS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS• This entails continuous review and testing of

goals and objectives against key performance indicators (KPls).

B) BALANCE BETWEEN LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM PLANNING

• Need this to achieve a balance of low-capital and high-capital projects and for investments in transport infrastructure

3.2.3 PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING PROCESS cont’

C) REALISTIC HANDLING OF FUTURE UNCERTAINTIES

• A single future is inflexible when other future eventuates.

• future uncertainty should be provided for in the planning process.

• Specific• Scenarios, or visions, should be bench-marked

against best and worst case scenarios.

D) BALANCE BETWEEN THE ELEMENTS OF PLANNING STUDIES

E) ENCOURAGING CONSTRUCTIVE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION• Planning should not be undertaken solely from a

technical standpoint:• constructive public participation is an essential

component. • This will prevent public opposition towards plans which

can easily result in delays and frustrations for all.

3.2.3 PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING PROCESS cont’

F) INTEGRATION OF TRANSPORT AND LAND USE PLANNING

• transportation of goods and people is not an end in itself, but a means to achieving wider community objectives like economic development.

• Transport is a significant cost factor in manufacturing, distribution and retail activity.

3.2.3 PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING PROCESS cont’

• Integrating land use and transport can minimise the cost of production and distribution and contain (keep from increasing) the mobility costs for households and individuals.

G) CONSIDERATION OF ALL MODES• To be comprehensive, all transport modes has

to be taken into consideration

3.2.3 PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING PROCESS cont’

3.2.4 BASIC OUTLINE OF AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLAN

The main elements of an integrated transport plan are listed below:

i. A description of the existing transport situation (status quo)

• The description should include existing goals and objectives, the public and private (road and rail) transportation networks, population and employment distribution, land use, trip-making characteristics, transport problems, issues, and environmental constraints.

3.2.4 BASIC OUTLINE OF AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLAN cont’

iii. A detailed demand or market analysis for movement by either public or private modes of travel, in different corridors or along the routes which comprise the integrated transport plan public and private networks;

viii.A long-term or strategic plan designed to meet the various transport needs of the area in terms of the adopted polities.

xi. A business and marketing plan for public transport, setting out the public transport market analysis and the marketing plan.

xii. A monitoring programme, specified in terms of key performance indicators (KPls), which measures the effectiveness of the implementation programme in achieving the specified objectives;

3.2.4 BASIC OUTLINE OF AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLAN cont’

xii. A financial plan giving estimates and expected sources of revenue and expenditure arising out of the preparation, implementation and operation of the transport plan.

3.2.4 BASIC OUTLINE OF AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLAN cont’

3.2.5 ILLUSTRATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ELEMENTS

OF A TRANSPORT PLANEXAMPLE of a Transport Plan(A) PROBLEM• Central business district (CBD) streets are

congested with low occupancy vehicles during peak periods.

• Travel times are long and parking facilities are inadequate.

• On-street parking adds to the congestion and inhibits the free flow of public transport vehicles.

EXAMPLE of a Transport Plan cont’

(B) ISSUE• Conflict of possible goals as follows;(i) to cater for private car traffic demand by

creating additional road and parking space; or(ii) to reduce private car traffic demand to

encourage public transport.

(C) GOAL• To encourage public transport travel to and

within the CBD.

EXAMPLE of a Transport Plan cont’

(D) OBJECTIVES(i) to increase the peak hour public transport

modal share of commuter tips to the CBD from 50 percent to 70 percent by 2000; and

(ii) to reduce parking supply from the current capacity of 70000 to 40000 by 2000.

EXAMPLE of a Transport Plan cont’

(E) POLICY• Restraint of private car usage for trips to the

CBD.• Promotion of effective public transport

concentrating initially on the fast growing car-owning suburbs and then promoting it in all areas.

EXAMPLE of a Transport Plan cont’

(F) STRATEGIES• Undertake a number of complementary

projects at specified estimated costs:i. Implement radical bus priority schemes by

dedicating general road space to buses only;ii. Improve bus penetration of target areas at

both origin and destination;

EXAMPLE of a Transport Plan cont’

Strategies cont’iii. Improve off-peak bus services within the CBD;iv. Finance public transport improvements from new

CBD entry levies on low-occupancy vehicles;v. Reduce parking standards from 4 bays/100m^2

of gross leasable area to 2 bays/100m^2 vi. Test responses to the above measures by public

involvement campaigns and surveys.

EXAMPLE of a Transport Plan cont’

(G) MONITORINGi. Conduct traffic counts on a cordon around

the CBD to show the collective effectiveness of strategies;

ii. Monitor public response, costs, travel times, parking demand and retail sales figures in the CBD to obtain indicators of how effectively the problem is being solved.

• Where behavioural adjustments are threatening to the property market or the viability of the targeted area, it could prove to be necessary to modify the policy or strategy so as not to undermine investor and business confidence,

• Alternatively, it could be necessary to implement the policy comprehensively, over a metropolitan or even provincial area, to avoid giving one area advantage over another.

• This example illustrates the need for provincial or even national co-ordination.

3.3 IMPORTANT CONCEPTS IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

3.3.2 SUMMARY OF DEFINITIONS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY

Accessibility is the ease of access, expressed as time or cost, to residents of activities such as work, shopping, school and recreation.

Contract is an agreement between an authority and an operator regarding the delivery of a public transport service at an agreed price.

3.3.2 SUMMARY OF DEFINITIONS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY cont’

Effectiveness is the maximising of the extent to which the services provided meet the stated transport objectives and the needs of the community

Efficiency is the minimising of the total cost of providing a unit of capacity e.g. a passenger_kilometre

Framework is an outline or skeleton which provides the structure and form around which a plan, or policy, or strategy is constructed

Goal is an idealised and end-state of the system of a desired direction for the evolution of a system.

lnfrastructure is the stock of fixed capital equipment facilities in the transport system.

3.3.2 SUMMARY OF DEFINITIONS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY cont’

Integrated plan is a plan which encompass a system which includes land use, spatial development infrastructure services and the finance thereof.

3.3.2 SUMMARY OF DEFINITIONS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY cont’

Integrated transport plan is a plan produced as a result of an integrated process and relating to the regulation, provision and management of transport infrastructure (roads, rail, stations, terminals and public transport facilities) and for regulating public transport operations and services and the use of infrastructure by both operators of public transport and private travellers.

3.3.2 SUMMARY OF DEFINITIONS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY cont’

Issue is that which arises in a national, provincial or local community when there are conflicting goals and objectives (desires or perceptions) within the community.

Objective is a target, the attainment of which will help towards reaching a stated goal.

3.3.2 SUMMARY OF DEFINITIONS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY cont’

Passenger transport is a generic term which describes the movement/conveyance of people by any travel mode, including movement on foot, by motorised and non-motorised modes. It encompasses both inter-city urban and rural

public travel, for any purpose, by air, sea and over land by both private and pubic travel modes, for example car, metered taxi, minibus taxi, bus, coach, tram and light and heavy rail.

3.3.2 SUMMARY OF DEFINITIONS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY cont’

Strategy is a plan or programme of action to be taken in terms of a policy. Such action may often take the form of a series of projects.

Subsidised service contract is an agreement to operate a route or network in terms of a public transport plan under which the operator is remunerated partly by passenger fares and partly from subsidy support in terms of a tendered contract.

3.3.2 SUMMARY OF DEFINITIONS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY cont’

Transport plan is a plan prepared by a transport authority which integrates infrastructure, land-use, public transport, private transport, goods movement, traffic and travel demand management plans and programmes.

3.3.2 SUMMARY OF DEFINITIONS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY cont’

3.3.3 BUSINESS AND MARKETING PLANS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Purpose BUSINESS AND MARKETING PLANS :• To ensure that public, transport services are

more consumer orientated and delivered in accordance with commercial principles

The plans should contain the following typical elements of the market mix:

i. Marketing research to facilitate the identification of the need for public transport services (like commuting, scholar travel, shopping and business travel, recreational travel etc)– Aimed at mode, price and price sensitivity

ii. Product definition including the range of public transport services should be described in the business plan. – Product definition should include a description

of the desired attributes, quality and features of the different services.

iii. Place considerations will include the form of delivery, whether by tendering or concession or by allowing private operators to compete for custom.

iv. Price (fares) determination will be the most important component of the public transport marketing mix.

v. Promotion measures to be covered in the public transport business marketing plan should include:– advertising, – personal selling, – sales promotion and – publicity.

vi. Clear definition of the target market for services should be a clear imperative for transport authorities, particularly in the determination of contract services.

• The implementation programme translates a plan or strategy into action and consists of projects designed to carry out the stated strategies.

• All projects, whether of a long-term or short-term nature, should feature in the same implementation programme, accompanied by estimates of annual costs, total cost, and the total time period for completion.

3.3.4 IMPLEMENTATION

A typical implementation programme should consist of a set of projects to be carried out.

The programme should include descriptions of the following:

priority ratings of all projects with an account of the criteria and the weights used to rate the projects;

3.3.4 Implementation Programme cont’

the category of each project of new public transport service and a site plan or drawing or schedule of service;

linkage of each project of new or amended public transport service to the goals and objectives of the integrated transport plan;

the estimated total implementation cost of projects and public transport services;

3.3.4 Implementation Programme cont’

the duration of the project/scheme/public transport contract or concession;

the estimated implementation costs of each year of the five-year programme;

an account of any appropriate design standards for infrastructure or level of service adjustment of contracted public transport services; and

the budget for marketing public transport during the course of the programme.

3.3.4 Implementation Programme cont’

3.3.5 MONITORING

The intention of monitoring is thus to find out:how the implementing of the integrated

transport plan is progressing;whether the stated goals and objectives are

being met;

3.3.5 MONITORING cont’

the extent to which improvements in the transport environment are being achieved;

what constraints or limitations are acting on the transport system; what scope exists for relaxing the constraints of the existing system.

• THE END