Scenario planning is a process that evaluates the effects of alternative policies, plans, and/or programs on the future of a community or region. This activity can provide information to decision-makers as they develop transportation plans. Scenarios may be used by stakeholders to explore and debate alternatives and trade-offs. By testing several scenarios against performance indicators, decision-makers can select a preferred scenario and identify an appropriate set of actions that will lead toward that vision.
Resources
23 CFR 450 - Planning Assistance and Standards - Federal transportation planning regulations (this link goes to the highway version--the transit version, adopted by FTA at 49 CFR 613, is an identical copy which incorprates this section by reference).
FTA Circular 8100.1C - Program Guidance for Metropolitan Planning and State Planning and Research Program Grants - FTA program guidance for metropolitan planning and state planning and research program grants.
FAST Act Fact Sheet: Metropolitan, Statewide, & Non-Metropolitan Planning - Brief FTA fact sheet on the planning provisions in the FAST Act.
FHWA FAST Act Fact Sheet: Metropolitan Planning - FHWA fact sheet on the metropolitan planning provisions of the FAST Act.
U.S. Code Title 49, Chapter 53 - Public Transportation - This is the public transportation section of U.S. Code. The Metropolitan Transportation Planning statute is found at Section 5303; Statewide Transportation Planning is found at Section 5304; and Planning Programs are found at Section 5305. The Metro and Statewide Planning sections are identical to the corresponding sections of Federal Highways code, 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135.
Additional resources related to Scenario Planning