The role of the transportation planner is evolving. The days of staying in our comfort zone—performing network analysis, incorporating data forecasting, integrating regional connectivity with larger multimodal goals—are over. Now we must become organizers of the infrastructure… moving people, goods and services in ways we haven’t done before.
As we execute infrastructure improvement projects, we interact with specialists in just about every field (planners, designers, developers, local officials, community leaders, utilities, and others). Each one has a part to play in the project’s overall success, but truth be told, the priorities of a roadway designer are vastly different from those of a funding specialist. Communication is vital, so recognizing that there are common goals creates a pathway to strategic decision making. The backbone of these goals is a recognition that even though they might use different terms or come at it from a different perspective, there are several terms and approaches that most transportation professionals generally align with that can create a common language to help achieve their shared vision.
Communication is vital, so recognizing that there are common goals creates a pathway to strategic decision making.
Tim Sorenson, Practice Leader, Transit & Urban Mobility
Here's how to make that happen.