In the 20th century, transportation planning was limited primarily toward the construction of new or expanded facilities. However, the role of transportation planning has evolved in recent years. Planning now involves a significant focus on the performance of multimodal transportation systems in providing mobility and safety to users. This article discusses this changing role and the forces driving this shift. The tools that planners need to develop plans and programs that are more performance-based and to develop assessments that are more outcome-oriented are highlighted. Transportation planners will need to work with decision-makers to decide on a set of measures and goals that are both manageable and meaningful in informing investment decisions.
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