Describe the basic steps in the transportation planning process.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The basic steps in the transportation planning process are as follows:
Step 1 – Situation definition is where the present situation is analyzed and
described.
Step 2 – Problem definition is where the problem is described in terms of
objectives to be accomplished and criteria are established by which effectiveness
of the project can be measured.
Step 3 – Search for solutions is the brainstorming stage where many options may
be proposed for testing and evaluating. Preliminary feasibility studies are included
to narrow the field to the most promising.
Step 4 – Analysis of performance is used to estimate how the proposed
alternatives, under present and future conditions, operate using the criteria
established earlier.
Step 5 – Evaluation of alternatives is where each alternative is judged by the
criteria as to how the objectives are accomplished. This involves the calculation
of benefits and costs, economic evaluation, and comparison of cost effectiveness.
Step 6 – Choice of project is where the selection is made considering all factors.
It may be based on cost alone in simple cases or it may involve hearings, political
considerations, or other issues.
Step 7 – Specification and construction is the final stage in the process. Once the
project has been selected it moves into the design phase of project development
and ultimately into construction.