Transportation Planning Specialists
Transportation Planning Specialists design how people and goods move around a city or region, both now and in the future. They collect and analyze data on traffic counts, bus and train ridership, land use, and population growth, then use tools like GIS mapping software and traffic modeling programs (such as TransCAD or VISUM) to test different ideas, like new bus routes, bike lanes, or highway changes. They also lead public meetings, write reports, and work with engineers and government officials to choose transportation projects that are safe, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible.
Did you know?
Most positions require a master's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or transportation planning, along with ongoing professional development to stay current with federal regulations and emerging technologies.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$91,800 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Reading Comprehension
Things to consider
Federal Funding and Regulatory Knowledge
Success requires deep understanding of federal transportation funding mechanisms, environmental compliance requirements like NEPA, and the complex interplay between federal, state, and local transportation policies.
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management
The role demands strong communication skills to facilitate public meetings, coordinate with diverse community groups, and build consensus among stakeholders with competing transportation priorities.
Key responsibilities
Prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.
Collaborate with other professionals to develop sustainable transportation strategies at the local, regional, or national level.
Participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.
Evaluate transportation-related consequences of federal or state legislative proposals.
Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.