Transport planner : Job description

Transport planners focus on issues which relate to the transport infrastructure. They plan, manage and improve the transport system. They forecast travel patterns and are experts in the various environmental and social effects of road transport. They also develop strategies to manage demand and try to change the travel behaviour of people in line with government guidelines.

In practice, this aspect of their work means reducing car use, encouraging walking and cycling and promoting the use of public transport. Emphasis has shifted from traditional forecasting and an engineering-led approach to managing growing travel demand.

Typical work activities

There are a variety of tasks involved in the job. Typical activities may include:

• designing and interpreting transport and travel surveys;
• writing clear reports and presenting options and recommendations to clients;
• using statistical analysis to examine travel data or accident records;
• forming potential solutions to transport problems;
• using mathematical and computer simulation models to forecast the effects of road improvements, policy changes and/or public transport schemes;
• evaluating the benefits and costs of different strategies;
• participating in public consultation initiatives, including designing leaflets or questionnaires and attending scheme exhibitions;
• managing studies and projects, often within tight time and budget limits;
• assessing infrastructure requirements (access, car parking, bus stops, cycle parking, etc) of new developments to support planning applications or to inform local authority development plans;
• liaising and negotiating with different parties, e.g. planning and highways authorities, residents' groups, councillors/politicians, developers, transport providers;
• developing the initial design ideas for new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian priority schemes, bus
• interchange or bus priority facilities, car parking areas, etc;
• acting as an expert witness at public inquiries and planning appeals;
• writing bids for the funding of projects.