Planning

The public is the primary beneficiary of the nation's intermodal transportation system built to serve public mobility and productivity. Transportation decisions need to be made in an environmentally sensitive way, using a comprehensive planning process that includes the public and considers land use, development, safety, and security. Transportation planners undertake a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the potential impact of transportation plans and programs while addressing the aspirations and concerns of the society served by these plans and programs. Planners examine past, present, and prospective trends and issues associated with the demand for the movement of people, goods, and information at local, rural, tribal, metropolitan, statewide, national, and international levels.

The Planning pages contain information on various issues and programs related to transportation planning for our local, rural, metropolitan, state, tribal, other federal partners, and interested citizens. If you don't see the topic for which you are looking, check our Subject Index.

Policy/Guidance - Statewide and metropolitan transportation planning processes are governed by Federal law and applicable state and local laws if Federal highway or transit funds are used for transportation investment.

Planning Glossary - Search the Planning Glossary to help you in understand planning terms and acronyms.