A Guide to Metropolitan Transportation Planning Under ISTEA


Book Description

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have prepared this guide for transportation professionals, elected officials, and policymakers, as well as community and business interests, who want to understand and participate in the transportation planning and decisionmaking process. It has two objectives: first, to provide a framework for linking the various elements of ISTEA's transportation planning process together in a comprehensive manner; and second, to provide information, suggestions, and examples of ways to carry out the metropolitan planning process. Part One describes the changes Congress and the President envisioned in the transportation planning and investment process when they enacted ISTEA. Part Two discusses the products of the transportation planning process: the transportation plan and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Part Three describes the elements of transportation planning and how metropolitan areas can use them to develop transportation plans and TIPs that meet their needs and the expectations of the Federal Government. Part Four provides a reference guide to Federal regulations, guidance, and other useful information that have been published on ISTEA and the planning process.







Statewide Transportation Planning Under ISTEA


Book Description

Each State has a different process for making transportation decisions. In some, the legislature annually approves the transportation capital investment program. Others have independent or quasi-independent commissions, boards, or authorities that are responsible for transportation decisions. In all cases, elected officials at the local, regional, or State level need good information to guide their decisions, and the ISTEA planning process is designed to provide this. This guide discusses how good transportation planning can be conducted by States and presents a new framework for transportation decision making as envisioned in ISTEA.




Transportation Planning Handbook


Book Description

A multi-disciplinary approach to transportation planning fundamentals The Transportation Planning Handbook is a comprehensive, practice-oriented reference that presents the fundamental concepts of transportation planning alongside proven techniques. This new fourth edition is more strongly focused on serving the needs of all users, the role of safety in the planning process, and transportation planning in the context of societal concerns, including the development of more sustainable transportation solutions. The content structure has been redesigned with a new format that promotes a more functionally driven multimodal approach to planning, design, and implementation, including guidance toward the latest tools and technology. The material has been updated to reflect the latest changes to major transportation resources such as the HCM, MUTCD, HSM, and more, including the most current ADA accessibility regulations. Transportation planning has historically followed the rational planning model of defining objectives, identifying problems, generating and evaluating alternatives, and developing plans. Planners are increasingly expected to adopt a more multi-disciplinary approach, especially in light of the rising importance of sustainability and environmental concerns. This book presents the fundamentals of transportation planning in a multidisciplinary context, giving readers a practical reference for day-to-day answers. Serve the needs of all users Incorporate safety into the planning process Examine the latest transportation planning software packages Get up to date on the latest standards, recommendations, and codes Developed by The Institute of Transportation Engineers, this book is the culmination of over seventy years of transportation planning solutions, fully updated to reflect the needs of a changing society. For a comprehensive guide with practical answers, The Transportation Planning Handbook is an essential reference.




The Shape of Things to Come


Book Description

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) developed a framework for more productive and safer transportation systems, friendly to both the environment and communities. This booklet offers a glimpse into the experience of the past five years and describes the progress that has been achieved since ISTEA was adopted. It is a review of transportation planning progress to date based on information collected from state and metropolitan agencies across the country. Examples of these advances range from widespread incorporation of improved financial planning in long-range plans and short-range investment programs, to strategic initiatives for engaging citizens in the planning process, and to fuller integration of air quality improvement as a goal of transportation planning. This review identifies and discusses four major categories of results: improved investment decisions; working to improve environmental quality; indispensable partnerships; and service to communities.




Response of Small Urbanized Area MPOs to ISTEA


Book Description

This synthesis will be of interest to officials and staff of metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) representing regional communities of less than 200,000 population. It will also be of interest to state and local highway and transit agencies, administrators, and elected officials. Other officials, such as state legislators and officials in environmental agencies who interact with the MPOs will also have an interest in this synthesis. It presents information on changes that MPOs in smaller urbanized areas have made in response to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). The adjustments in policy and practice in developing transportation plans and programs for the agency and the new requirements necessitated by ISTEA are described. With the advent of ISTEA, many of these small MPOs initiated changes in their role within the region and in the transportation planning process applied to carry out this role. Based on a limited sample of small MPOs, the types of changes in policy, procedure, staffing, intergovernmental relations, resource allocation, and training are discussed in this report of the Transportation Research Board. The issues associated with the changes are also highlighted. The techniques (models) that have been applied are described.







Planning in the USA


Book Description

This revised edition continues to provide a comprehensive introduction to the policies and practices of planning. Discussing land use, urban planning and environmental protection policies, the text explains the nature of the planning process.




Local Economic Development in the 21st Centur


Book Description

Provides a comprehensive look at local economic development and public policy, placing special emphasis on quality of life and sustainability. It draws extensively on case studies, and includes both mainstream and alternative perspectives in dealing with economic growth and development issues. The contributions of economic theories and empirical research to the policy debates, and the relationship of both to quality of life and sustainability are explored and clarified.




Planning in the USA


Book Description

This extensively revised and updated fourth edition of Planning in the USA continues to provide a comprehensive introduction to the policies, theory and practice of planning. Outlining land use, urban planning, and environmental protection policies, this fully illustrated book explains the nature of the planning process and the way in which policy issues are identified, defined, and approached. This full colour edition incorporates new planning legislation and regulations at the state and federal layers of government, updated discussion on current economic issues, and examples of local ordinances in a variety of planning areas. Key updates include: a new chapter on planning and sustainability; a new discussion on the role of foundations and giving to communities; a discussion regarding the aftermath of Katrina in New Orleans; a discussion on deindustrialization and shrinking cities; a discussion on digital billboards; a discussion on recent comprehensive planning efforts; a discussion on land banking; a discussion unfunded mandates; a discussion on community character; a companion website with multiple choice and fill the blank questions, and ‘test yourself’ glossary terms. This book gives a detailed account of urbanization in the United States and reveals the problematic nature and limitations of the planning process, the fallibility of experts, and the difficulties facing policy-makers in their search for solutions. Planning in the USA is an essential book for students, planners and all who are concerned with the nature of contemporary urban and environmental problems.