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Transportation Planners

Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.

What you’d do

  • Define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.
  • 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.
  • Prepare reports or recommendations on transportation planning.
  • Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.
  • Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.
  • Develop computer models to address transportation planning issues.
  • Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.
  • Interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Writing

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Planner
  • Program Officer
  • Transportation Data Programs Manager
  • Transportation Planner
  • Transportation Analyst

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