Transportation Systems Planning and Management

Transportation Systems Planning and Management is an applied science focused on the strategic design, implementation, and operational control of networks that move people and goods. This discipline involves forecasting future travel demand, setting policy goals related to safety, efficiency, and sustainability, and making data-driven decisions on large-scale infrastructure projects like highways, public transit, and freight systems. On a day-to-day basis, it concentrates on optimizing the performance of the existing network through traffic flow management, transit scheduling, logistics coordination, and the deployment of intelligent transportation technologies to reduce congestion and improve accessibility for all users.

1. Introduction to Transportation Systems
   1. Defining Transportation
      1. Definition and Scope of Transportation
      2. Role in Society and Economic Development
         1. Enabling Mobility and Accessibility
         2. Supporting Economic Growth and Trade
         3. Social and Cultural Connectivity
      3. The Transportation System as a Network
         1. Network Structure
            1. Links and Nodes
            2. Connectivity Principles
            3. Network Topology
         2. Accessibility Concepts
         3. Hierarchical Organization of Networks
   2. Key Components of Transportation Systems
      1. Infrastructure
         1. Roadways and Highways
         2. Railways
         3. Airports and Runways
         4. Seaports and Waterways
         5. Transit Stations and Stops
         6. Bridges and Tunnels
         7. Maintenance Facilities
      2. Vehicles
         1. Motor Vehicles
            1. Cars
            2. Trucks
            3. Buses
         2. Rail Vehicles
            1. Trains
            2. Light Rail
            3. Subway Cars
         3. Aircraft
            1. Commercial Aircraft
            2. General Aviation
         4. Ships and Ferries
         5. Non-Motorized Vehicles
            1. Bicycles
            2. Pedestrian Mobility Aids
      3. Users
         1. Passenger Users
         2. Freight and Goods Movement
         3. Special User Groups
            1. Elderly
            2. Disabled
            3. Low-Income Populations
      4. Control Systems and Policies
         1. Traffic Control Devices
            1. Signals
            2. Signs
            3. Markings
         2. Regulatory Frameworks
         3. Enforcement Mechanisms
         4. Information and Communication Systems
   3. Modes of Transportation
      1. Passenger Transportation
         1. Private Motorized Modes
            1. Automobiles
            2. Motorcycles
         2. Public Transit Modes
            1. Bus Transit
            2. Rail Transit
            3. Ferry Services
         3. Non-Motorized Modes
            1. Walking
            2. Cycling
         4. Air Travel
            1. Commercial Aviation
            2. General Aviation
      2. Freight Transportation
         1. Trucking
         2. Rail Freight
         3. Maritime Shipping
         4. Air Cargo
         5. Pipelines
   4. Historical Evolution of Transportation
      1. Early Transportation Systems
      2. Industrial Revolution and Mechanization
      3. Rise of Automobiles and Mass Transit
      4. Modernization and Technological Advances
      5. Globalization and Intermodalism
   5. Intermodal and Multimodal Transportation
      1. Definitions and Distinctions
      2. Benefits and Challenges
      3. Examples of Intermodal Facilities
      4. Role in Supply Chains