ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the transportation planning process. It discusses briefly the distinction between problem solving and planning. There are several natural consequences of the differences in time span and breadth found in planning and problem-solving endeavors. The transportation planning process should bear a great similarity to the problem-solving process developed. The two major differences are that the former process is directed at the production of a rather broad description of a future transportation system, whereas the problem-solving process is much more detailed and immediate in nature. The data collection stage has an important role, however—the development of more accurate statements of the problems, problem domains, objectives, and constraints. The development of models to be used to represent the interrelationships between the transportation system, external factors, local human activities, travel, and other affected or impact factors comprises stage III of the transportation planning process.
