This paper describes the innovative approach to transport planning and engineering analysis, used in the development of a transport Action Plan for Contra Costa County, CA, USA. In November 1988, voters approved Measure C, a programme aiming to: (1) relieve traffic congestion through roadway and transit improvements, to be funded by a tax increase that they also supported; and (2) prevent future land use development decisions from leading to a deterioration of public services. Four Regional Transportation Planning Committees (RTPCs) were set up, representing different parts of the county, and composed of elected and appointed officials. The committees are responsible for preparing an Action Plan for routes of regional significance within their regions, including all state highways and major arterials. A study for this plan was prepared by TRANSPAC, a local cooperative planning group, which (1) developed new measures of effectiveness for traffic operations; (2) used a highly calibrated regional travel demand model; (3) performed a delicate political balancing act; and (4) adopted a new approach to regional transport issues. This approach has been praised by local decision makers, but opposed by some people for reasons of cost.
Abstract