Transport planner
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.
There are a variety of tasks involved in the job. Typical activities may include:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances:
The opportunities to study transport planning at undergraduate level are limited. At present, degree subject is generally less important than having the right personal skills. Geographers and civil engineers account for around half the transport planning profession, with the other half coming from a wide range of degree subjects.
It is possible to enter this career with an HND, although many employers regard a degree (2:2 or higher) as essential.
Candidates with a postgraduate degree in transport or transportation planning/management/engineering are highly sought after. Information on Masters courses can be found on the Universities' Transport Partnership and Transport Planning Opportunities websites. Most institutions offer bursaries from a variety of sources including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) . Postgraduate qualifications in town planning are also acceptable.
Pre-entry experience is not necessary, although relevant work experience, voluntary work or paid employment in an associated part of the profession may help in finding a job.
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Around 900 new planners are needed each year.
Some consultancies offer paid summer placement schemes. Consultants are often happy to offer unpaid experience, which may lead to a job on graduation. It is best to approach consultants directly to find work experience opportunities. There are also opportunities on a summer placement scheme run by the Transport Planning Society (TPS) .
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Graduate training schemes are provided by many of the larger consultancies and some local authorities. This training provides the opportunity to acquire a wide body of knowledge and experience with a variety of clients. If you are accepted on a graduate training scheme you may be asked to keep a log to ensure that you are completing a range of tasks. Some parts are practical and immediately relevant, whilst others are designed to improve your understanding of the broader context of your work. Some of these training schemes are accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK and the Transport Planning Society (TPS) .
The TPS has launched a new model Professional Development Scheme, which is has now been adopted by a number of major employers.
In other organisations, training is on the job, covering a similar range of subjects but in a less structured manner. New entrants should check that the training and experience offered is as comprehensive as possible.
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) currently offer a service to their members through which they can develop a professional development plan. This plan examines each person’s individual career development needs and offers advice on relevant training.
In all areas of the sector, it is often possible to obtain financial assistance, and sometimes day-release, to undertake a post-entry part-time Masters in transport planning. Some employers have strong links with particular universities, which can be helpful if you are considering this option.
Currently, there is a great demand for qualified transport planners. Road user charging schemes and transport improvements for the London Olympics will further increase employment opportunities across the country as consultancies and contractors use all available resources.
Promotion usually involves taking on increased responsibilities, starting with the technical aspects of larger-scale projects and then staff management. It may be necessary to move to a post in a different public sector body or consultancy to achieve promotion. This might involve relocating to another part of the country, although this is unlikely to be the case in a large city. Movement between the public and private sectors does occur, although there are differences between the two, making transfer less appropriate at more senior levels.
A relevant Masters degree facilitates career progression, and some employers sponsor employees through Masters degrees on a part-time basis.
Chartered status of one of the following relevant professional bodies can also aid career development (many employers will have a preference as to which one you join):
There are about 10,000 transport planners currently employed in the UK. Just over half of these are employed in the private sector (particularly consultancies), with the rest employed in the public sector (mainly city and local government authorities).
Consultancies represent the area of greatest growth within the sector. Some consultancies are specialists in transport planning or transport engineering, while others have a broad transport, environmental or engineering remit, but also have transport planning departments. Consultancies provide travel plans and transport assessments for a wide range of clients, including schools, hospitals, developers and industrial firms. Aspects of their work can be more technical than in local authority departments. They may be involved in a project from the initial feasibility study to the construction and operational stages.
Local authority departments produce local transport plans and assess the implications of developments. They consult with residents and developers, seeking to find solutions that are acceptable and in line with local/national guidelines. They initiate the provision of some services, such as particular bus services or cycle routes, and also negotiate with transport providers. Some local authorities still carry out detailed in-house technical analysis, but this is more typically undertaken by consultants on behalf of the local authority.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has a national policy-making role. Transport Scotland , the National Assembly for Wales and the Department for Regional Development (Northern Ireland) also have transport responsibilities. The other public sector organisations that recruit staff to this area are transport executives, which oversee public transport in major cities, such as Transport for London and The Highways Agency (HA) .
Universities and research organisations also recruit transport planners for teaching and research roles.
Speculative applications are often productive in the private sector, whereas public sector positions are generally advertised.
Recruitment agencies occasionally handle vacancies for new graduates. Small and medium-sized consultancies are more likely to use agencies than larger firms.
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