Urban Goods Movement Planning Methodology

Abstract

Until the recent past, the urban transportation planning process has not given full consideration to the question of urban goods movements. Local, regional, state, and federal agencies have, however, recently recognized the need for an urban goods movement planning methodology that can be an integral part of the urban transportation planning process and they have expressed support for its integration. A proposed methodology is presented that attempts to draw both short-run and long-run planning considerations into one planning framework. An examination of how the proposed methodology can be integrated into the traditional urban transportation planning process is presented. The implementation of the proposed methodology will enable the planner to make forecasts for future urban goods movements and more effectively plan for facilities to accommodate both goods and people movements.