This paper expresses the author's personal views on the current roles of transport engineers and planners as professionals. A profession's paradigm covers: (1) its conception of the world; (2) its role as an integrated part of society; (3) its essential problems; and (4) its ethics. Relevant questions that arise include: (1) How do transport activities contribute to welfare ? (2) How are consumers evaluating various types of transport products ? (3) How can users' dissatisfaction be reduced by advanced information and telecommunications systems or transport facilities ? (4) How will travel restrictions and changing transport costs affect willingness to travel ? and (5) How far will consumers use and rely on specific pre-trial, on-board and destination information ? Problems to be prioritised include congestion, safety and environmental impacts of transport. The policies of the Institute of Transport Engineers (ITE) should be more environmentally oriented, and consider, not only today's American public, but also future generations and people worldwide. Eight examples of transport goals for environmental sustainability are given, mostly for demand management. ITE members need to improve their knowledge, skills and ability to communicate.
Samenvatting