Best Practices for Technical Delivery of Transportation Planning Studies:Project Overview and Findings

David Kriger, iTRANS Consulting Inc.

Urban Transportation Council

TAC Spring Technical Meetings6 April 2008

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Outline of PresentationOutline of PresentationIntroductionIntroduction

Study processStudy process

Findings (profile)Findings (profile)

Best PracticesBest Practices

Development of GuidelinesDevelopment of Guidelines

Next stepsNext steps

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AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsTAC – TP&R SCTAC – TP&R SCKatarina Cvetkovic (Project Manager) - TACKatarina Cvetkovic (Project Manager) - TACProject Steering Committee (PSC): Project Steering Committee (PSC): – David Durant (Chair) – Region of Waterloo, ONDavid Durant (Chair) – Region of Waterloo, ON– Jaime Boan – City of Surrey, BCJaime Boan – City of Surrey, BC– James Der – AITJames Der – AIT– Tom Eichenbaum / Kerry Davren – City of Burlington, ONTom Eichenbaum / Kerry Davren – City of Burlington, ON– Wayne Gienow / Miranda Carlberg – Sask MHIWayne Gienow / Miranda Carlberg – Sask MHI– Murray McLeod / Brian Lakeman – Region of Peel, ONMurray McLeod / Brian Lakeman – Region of Peel, ON– Carol HCarol Héébert / Paul-Andrbert / Paul-Andréé Roy – Ville de Gatineau, QC Roy – Ville de Gatineau, QC– Pierre Tremblay - MTQPierre Tremblay - MTQ– Dr. J. Allen Stewart (advisor) – Royal Military CollegeDr. J. Allen Stewart (advisor) – Royal Military College

Study financial sponsors:Study financial sponsors:– PSC + Infrastructure Canada’s Knowledge-building, PSC + Infrastructure Canada’s Knowledge-building,

Outreach and Awareness programOutreach and Awareness program

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IntroductionIntroduction

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IntroductionIntroductionObject is to provide a ‘best practices’ Object is to provide a ‘best practices’ guide for guide for technicaltechnical aspects of aspects of transportation planning:transportation planning:– Identify planning Identify planning needsneeds (current + emerging) (current + emerging)– Identify Identify analytical methodsanalytical methods (tools / models) (tools / models)– Evaluate tools (model software)Evaluate tools (model software)– Identify supporting Identify supporting datadata – Prepare Prepare databasedatabase (‘pull-out’ guide) (‘pull-out’ guide)

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Small / Medium CommunitiesSmall / Medium CommunitiesFocus on transportation planning needs Focus on transportation planning needs for small- and medium-sized for small- and medium-sized communities:communities:– Stand-alone municipalitiesStand-alone municipalities– Municipalities within larger regionsMunicipalities within larger regions

Population 10,000 - 250,000Population 10,000 - 250,000

Many different organizations have Many different organizations have responsibilityresponsibility

Findings are also applicable to planning Findings are also applicable to planning for larger communitiesfor larger communities

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Technical AspectsTechnical AspectsBest practices:Best practices:– Applied innovationApplied innovation– Practices proven successfulPractices proven successful

ModelsModels::– Forecast traffic, ridership, freight flows, …Forecast traffic, ridership, freight flows, …– Can be ‘one-line’ analysisCan be ‘one-line’ analysis

DataData: used to calibrate and validate : used to calibrate and validate models, or as input to model forecastsmodels, or as input to model forecasts

Outputs used as basis for needs Outputs used as basis for needs identification, revenues, GHG, …identification, revenues, GHG, …

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Long-range Transportation PlanLong-range Transportation Plan

Identifies needs for multi-modal Identifies needs for multi-modal transportation infrastructure or servicestransportation infrastructure or services

Horizon can be 10+ yearsHorizon can be 10+ years

Identifies priorities and costsIdentifies priorities and costs

11 types identified:11 types identified:– Some types mandated; others as neededSome types mandated; others as needed– Names, context vary by Province / TerritoryNames, context vary by Province / Territory

Emerging needs also considered:Emerging needs also considered:– Sustainable transportationSustainable transportation– New funding programs (e.g., transit)New funding programs (e.g., transit)

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Types of LRTPsTypes of LRTPs1. Transportation master plans or strategies2. Sub-area or neighbourhood transportation

plans 3. Corridor planning studies4. Transportation capital programmes / budgets5. Development Charge studies6. Transit service or operational plans7. Policy or research / background studies (e.g.

funding)8. Travel demand management studies9. Air quality / congestion management studies10. Freight plans / strategies11. Environmental assessment / functional plans

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Study ProcessStudy Process

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Study ProcessStudy ProcessSeveral components to study:Several components to study:– Literature reviewLiterature review– Online survey of practitionersOnline survey of practitioners– Review of current / emerging issues and Review of current / emerging issues and

best practicesbest practices– Contact with TRB ADA30 (US)Contact with TRB ADA30 (US)– Model software evaluationModel software evaluation

Development of pull-out Best Practices Development of pull-out Best Practices GuideGuide

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Online SurveyOnline SurveyE/F survey sent to 400+ agenciesE/F survey sent to 400+ agenciesTotal of 53 complete responses (+6 Total of 53 complete responses (+6 partial responses): partial responses): – 7 Provincial / Territorial MoTs7 Provincial / Territorial MoTs– 8 regional municipalities8 regional municipalities– 4 municipalities > 250,000 population4 municipalities > 250,000 population– 10 municipalities 100,000 – 250,000 pop10 municipalities 100,000 – 250,000 pop– 9 municipalities 50,000 – 100,000 pop9 municipalities 50,000 – 100,000 pop– 12 municipalities < 50,000 pop12 municipalities < 50,000 pop– 3 transit operators3 transit operators

Represents 10 provinces and territoriesRepresents 10 provinces and territories

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FindingsFindings

(profile)(profile)

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Pervasive Lack of ResourcesPervasive Lack of Resources

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Most – but not all – use Model/AnalysisMost – but not all – use Model/Analysis

65% used travel demand models:65% used travel demand models:– Use oriented towards larger organizationsUse oriented towards larger organizations– Some smaller communities had access to Some smaller communities had access to

models of othersmodels of others

18% used trend analysis18% used trend analysis

Computer-based tools availableComputer-based tools available

Data may be a constraint to useData may be a constraint to use

Organization type, size influence:Organization type, size influence:– Who owns forecasting modelWho owns forecasting model– Who uses model regularlyWho uses model regularly

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Transportation Analytical MethodsTransportation Analytical Methods

Challenges include:Challenges include:– Lack of fundingLack of funding– Lack of expertiseLack of expertise– Lack of resourcesLack of resources

Communities need:Communities need:– Regular traffic count programsRegular traffic count programs– Modelling at more detail at local levelModelling at more detail at local level– New software or upgradesNew software or upgrades– TrainingTraining

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Transportation DataTransportation DataBasics are covered (road inventory, Basics are covered (road inventory, counts, population) but coverage of counts, population) but coverage of anything beyond variesanything beyond varies

Challenges and opportunities:Challenges and opportunities:– Ability to integrate GPS, GIS and other Ability to integrate GPS, GIS and other

technologytechnology– Privacy / confidentiality issuesPrivacy / confidentiality issues– Managing data volume and usefulnessManaging data volume and usefulness– Increased efficiency in data sharing and Increased efficiency in data sharing and

purchasingpurchasing

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Interface with Other ApplicationsInterface with Other ApplicationsApplications of planning data:Applications of planning data:– Use data as often / in as many ways as possibleUse data as often / in as many ways as possible– Partnerships and financingPartnerships and financing– Addition of transportation planning data to Addition of transportation planning data to

performance measurement toolboxperformance measurement toolbox– Use in land use planning; economic analyses (e.g., Use in land use planning; economic analyses (e.g.,

development charge studies); energy, sustainability development charge studies); energy, sustainability and environmental analysesand environmental analyses

Transportation planning partnerships:Transportation planning partnerships:– Academic and research organizationsAcademic and research organizations– Regional and provincial bodiesRegional and provincial bodies– Other municipalities – both locally and nationallyOther municipalities – both locally and nationally– Outside agencies (e.g., health) and consultantsOutside agencies (e.g., health) and consultants

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Preparedness for the FuturePreparedness for the FutureEmerging / growing issues (sustainability, Emerging / growing issues (sustainability, environment, increased interest in transit…)environment, increased interest in transit…)Key challenges / factors for success:Key challenges / factors for success:– Staff resourcesStaff resources– Good dataGood data– Data sharing and cooperationData sharing and cooperation– Appropriate tools and dataAppropriate tools and data– FundingFunding– Political and community supportPolitical and community support– Overall transportation planning strategy with regular Overall transportation planning strategy with regular

updates and regular, complete data collectionupdates and regular, complete data collection

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Best PracticesBest Practices

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1. Modelling Approach1. Modelling ApproachEnsure analytical capability matches needs:Ensure analytical capability matches needs:– Ability to model peak hours and (as required) transit are Ability to model peak hours and (as required) transit are

importantimportant– Implies use of four-step modelling approachImplies use of four-step modelling approach– Could use 24-hour model and simple factors (peak, Could use 24-hour model and simple factors (peak,

transit), but complex problems or changing situation transit), but complex problems or changing situation require appropriate analytical capability for responserequire appropriate analytical capability for response

– Activity-based modelling and other new developments Activity-based modelling and other new developments have potential, but we’re not there yethave potential, but we’re not there yet

Trend analysis can be used in slow-growing, Trend analysis can be used in slow-growing, stable communitiesstable communities

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1. Modelling Approach1. Modelling ApproachExternal, through and bypass demand important External, through and bypass demand important for smaller communities:for smaller communities:– Models focus on ‘urban’ travel – need add-onModels focus on ‘urban’ travel – need add-on– Simulate as function of economic growth, Simulate as function of economic growth,

percentage of through trips from countspercentage of through trips from counts

Truck models also can be important (add-on)Truck models also can be important (add-on)

GIS are widely used GIS are widely used available platform: available platform:– Many data are stored on GISMany data are stored on GIS– Models are still standalone tools and most are not Models are still standalone tools and most are not

well integratedwell integrated

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2. Data Collection2. Data CollectionUS National Household Travel Survey, Journey to US National Household Travel Survey, Journey to Work and Commodity Flow Surveys provide Work and Commodity Flow Surveys provide national coverage for passenger and goodsnational coverage for passenger and goods

Stated preference surveys quantify how travellers Stated preference surveys quantify how travellers / shippers / shippers wouldwould behave in a new situation (tolls, behave in a new situation (tolls, RT; but also TDM)RT; but also TDM)– Complement OD (revealed preference) surveys, for Complement OD (revealed preference) surveys, for

which a basic need still existswhich a basic need still exists

Use of electronic technologies is growing and Use of electronic technologies is growing and offers significant opportunities at low unit cost:offers significant opportunities at low unit cost:– GPS, roadside detectors, …GPS, roadside detectors, …– GoogleEarth, etc.GoogleEarth, etc.

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3. Transferability of Data and Rates3. Transferability of Data and RatesFocus on ‘basic’ data; budgetary constraints are Focus on ‘basic’ data; budgetary constraints are common to US communities as wellcommon to US communities as well

Research addresses methods to share data:Research addresses methods to share data:– Develop statistically-reliable methods for importing rates Develop statistically-reliable methods for importing rates

from other communitiesfrom other communities– Use NHTS to estimate travel behaviour by household for Use NHTS to estimate travel behaviour by household for

small- / medium-sized communitiessmall- / medium-sized communities

Could Census Place of Residence / Place of Work Could Census Place of Residence / Place of Work by Mode serve as a base for Canada? (with some by Mode serve as a base for Canada? (with some additions)additions)

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4. Simplified Approach (1)4. Simplified Approach (1)TMIP and TTI (1999) developed a series of guides TMIP and TTI (1999) developed a series of guides for small- / medium-sized communities:for small- / medium-sized communities:– Addressed financial planning, land use planning, freight Addressed financial planning, land use planning, freight

planning, forecasting (determined by funding planning, forecasting (determined by funding requirements)requirements)

– Maximized use of existing resources (data, local experts, Maximized use of existing resources (data, local experts, borrowed information, …)borrowed information, …)

– Provided options – e.g., Provided options – e.g., withwith model or model or withoutwithout model model– Explained terms for multiple audiencesExplained terms for multiple audiences

Can draw from this and other US guides, but legal Can draw from this and other US guides, but legal / funding contexts are not always applicable or do / funding contexts are not always applicable or do not exist in Canadanot exist in Canada

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5. Simplified Approach (2)5. Simplified Approach (2)NCHRP NCHRP Guidebook for Freight Policy, Planning and Guidebook for Freight Policy, Planning and Programming in Small- and Medium-Sized Programming in Small- and Medium-Sized Metropolitan AreasMetropolitan Areas (2007) (2007)– Regional freight profile (infrastructure, generators, Regional freight profile (infrastructure, generators,

demand)demand)– Freight needs and deficiencies (congestion, accident Freight needs and deficiencies (congestion, accident

locations, geometric constraints, …)locations, geometric constraints, …)– Long range plan for freight (integrate into overall long Long range plan for freight (integrate into overall long

range transportation plan)range transportation plan)

General model: focus on specifics; be practicalGeneral model: focus on specifics; be practical

Can be quantitative or qualitativeCan be quantitative or qualitative

Designed to optimize existing resources; can Designed to optimize existing resources; can collect more datacollect more data

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6. Evaluation6. EvaluationIndicators / evaluation measures should:Indicators / evaluation measures should:– Provide clear direction or purposeProvide clear direction or purpose– Be based on a simple set of metricsBe based on a simple set of metrics– Provide routine, readable reportsProvide routine, readable reports

Need to consider:Need to consider:– Accessibility / mobilityAccessibility / mobility– Economic developmentEconomic development– Environmental and resource conservation / Environmental and resource conservation /

sustainability principlessustainability principles– SafetySafety

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6. Performance Indicators and 6. Performance Indicators and Evaluation MeasuresEvaluation Measures

Accessibility/MobilityAccessibility/Mobility– Bicycle Facilities, HOV lanes, Average Travel Time, Average Bicycle Facilities, HOV lanes, Average Travel Time, Average

Trip Length, Overall mode split, Total Travel Time, Delay Trip Length, Overall mode split, Total Travel Time, Delay per VKT, Lost time due to congestionper VKT, Lost time due to congestion

ReliabilityReliability– LOS (Intersection, movement), v/c ratio, Travel SpeedLOS (Intersection, movement), v/c ratio, Travel Speed

Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development– Economic cost of accidents, User Cost DistanceEconomic cost of accidents, User Cost Distance

SafetySafety– Number of accidents per year, Number of accidents per Number of accidents per year, Number of accidents per

capita, Number of accidents per VKT, Average response capita, Number of accidents per VKT, Average response time for emergency servicestime for emergency services

Social and Environmental SustainabilitySocial and Environmental Sustainability– Sidewalk coverage, Overall mode split, Fuel usage, GHG or Sidewalk coverage, Overall mode split, Fuel usage, GHG or

Air Contaminant Emissions, Traffic noise exposure, Relative Air Contaminant Emissions, Traffic noise exposure, Relative growth in traffic volumes growth in traffic volumes

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GuidelinesGuidelines

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Best Practices GuideBest Practices Guide

Intended to be guide for small- Intended to be guide for small- and medium-sized municipalitiesand medium-sized municipalities

Three steps:Three steps:1.1. Organize 11 study types: cannot Organize 11 study types: cannot

categorize models and data unless the categorize models and data unless the different types of plans are organizeddifferent types of plans are organized

2.2. Identify triggers Identify triggers identifies LRTP type identifies LRTP type

3.3. Given an application (LRTP type), what Given an application (LRTP type), what tools, methods and data are needed?tools, methods and data are needed?

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Transportation Planning StudiesTransportation Planning StudiesCommunity Plan / Official Plan

Transportation Master Plans or Strategies

Policy or Research / Background Studies

Travel Demand Management Studies

Air Quality / Congestion Management Studies

Freight / Goods Movement Plans or

Strategies

Transportation Capital Programmes / Budgets

Development Charge Studies

Corridor Planning Studies

Sub-Area or Neighbourhood

Transportation Plans

EA / Functional Plans

Transit Service or Operational Plans

Community Plan / Official Plan

Transportation Master Plans or Strategies

Policy or Research / Background Studies

Travel Demand Management Studies

Air Quality / Congestion Management Studies

Freight / Goods Movement Plans or

Strategies

Policy or Research / Background Studies

Travel Demand Management Studies

Air Quality / Congestion Management Studies

Freight / Goods Movement Plans or

Strategies

Transportation Capital Programmes / Budgets

Development Charge Studies

Corridor Planning Studies

Sub-Area or Neighbourhood

Transportation Plans

EA / Functional Plans

Transit Service or Operational Plans

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Transportation Planning StudiesTransportation Planning StudiesCan follow “top down” or “bottom up” approachCan follow “top down” or “bottom up” approachMay be motivated by specific problem or challenge – May be motivated by specific problem or challenge – “Triggers”“Triggers”

INTENSITY DATA REQUIREMENTSINTENSITY DATA REQUIREMENTS

Change in Regional Infrastructure (e.g. new highway bypass, new

rail line)

Does the change impact goods movement?

Freight / goods movement plans or strategy

Does the new facility change traffic

patterns in the surrounding road

network?

Consider a Sub-area or neighbourhood transportation plan

Consult with regional / provincial organization making

change, but take no action

Change in Regional Infrastructure (e.g. new highway bypass, new

rail line)

Does the change impact goods movement?

Freight / goods movement plans or strategy

Does the new facility change traffic

patterns in the surrounding road

network?

Consider a Sub-area or neighbourhood transportation plan

Consult with regional / provincial organization making

change, but take no action

Change in Regional Infrastructure (e.g. new highway bypass, new

rail line)

Change in Regional Infrastructure (e.g. new highway bypass, new

rail line)

Sample Trigger:Sample Trigger:

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Guidelines for the Selection of Guidelines for the Selection of Analytical ToolsAnalytical Tools

Guidelines to select tools type Guidelines to select tools type based on:based on:– Size of populationSize of population– Transportation plan typesTransportation plan types– Approach to analytical toolApproach to analytical tool– Urban context (stand-alone or as part Urban context (stand-alone or as part

of larger region)of larger region)– ApproachApproach

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Guidelines for Addressing Data Guidelines for Addressing Data Needs for AnalysisNeeds for Analysis

Data sources and type of data Data sources and type of data required identified based on:required identified based on:– Size of populationSize of population– Urban contextUrban context– Transportation plan typesTransportation plan types– ApproachApproach

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Next StepsNext Steps

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Next StepsNext StepsFinalize report, guidelinesFinalize report, guidelines

Report will be published on TAC websiteReport will be published on TAC website

TAC presentations: Fall 2008TAC presentations: Fall 2008

Opportunities for:Opportunities for:– TAC fall 2008 workshopTAC fall 2008 workshop– Cross-Canada training / disseminationCross-Canada training / dissemination

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For more information:For more information:

David Durant, Region of Waterloo David Durant, Region of Waterloo (Steering Committee chair) – (Steering Committee chair) – ddavid@region.waterloo.on.caddavid@region.waterloo.on.ca

David Kriger, iTRANS (consultant) - David Kriger, iTRANS (consultant) - dkriger@itransconsulting.comdkriger@itransconsulting.com

Thank you!Thank you!

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