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- Plan how transport networks work at a local, regional and national level
- You'll need excellent planning, organising, project management and IT skills
- Progress into roles in policy development or consultancy
You'll look at the impact of large and small scale transport issues on the public and make plans to develop the most appropriate solutions. This could be a village bypass proposal, or road safety measures outside a school. You'll plan and advise on transport policies for new systems and on improvements to existing ones.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Simulating transport problems using computer models to work out solutions
- Analysing and interpreting data from transport studies
- Forecasting the impact of new developments like shopping centres
- Looking at schemes to manage traffic, like congestion charging or parking controls
- Studying accident 'black spots' to design road safety improvements
- Writing reports for funding bids and planning authorities
- Acting as an expert witness during public enquiries
- You might also be involved in plans to encourage people to use their cars less and walk, cycle or use public transport
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll normally be based in an office, but you'll spend some time visiting sites and attending planning meetings.
You'll need
You'll need a creative approach to problem solving, data analysis skills, project management skills, report writing and presentation skills, and excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Science, maths, geography or technology subjects are good choices at school level. You can do a degree and then join an organisation as a trainee transport planner. Most subjects are accepted though you may have an advantage if you study geography, civil engineering, economics, town planning, environmental science, or business studies. Many graduates go on to do a postgraduate qualification in transport planning approved by the Transport Planning Society.
Alternatively you could start by doing a transport planning technician advanced apprenticeship, then with further on the job training become a fully qualified planner.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could become a senior transport planner or traffic engineer. You could also move into town planning, policy development, or work for yourself as a consultant.