What are the most promising areas of growth for traffic engineers with advanced degrees?

With the recent advances in technology, we can use connected and autonomous vehicles more than before as some countries are already using them. They provide safety and save time and energy (less fuel consumption). However, there are some challenges regarding using those vehicles such as building new roads and streets based on their function, noticing to police enforcement and the price of these vehicles. We should consider all these advantages and challenges. As far as I know, United States is using autonomous taxis in Uber, Germany is using autonomous taxis and buses and recently train, China is testing autonomous taxis, United Arab Emirates is using driverless texis and so on. I can say that there would be great future for these vehicles.

With an eye towards the future, the focus should be on a multi-modal transportation system developed for the well-being of the society, the economy, and the environment. A multi-modal transportation system is a system that integrates different modes of transport, such as road, rail, water, and air, to provide efficient, safe, and sustainable movement of people and goods. A multi-modal transportation system can provide multiple benefits, such as improved accessibility, mobility, competitiveness, productivity, safety, sustainability, and resilience. It can also contribute to the global goals of reducing poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Effectivement, le développement du transport multimodal est un domaine de croissance prometteur. Cela se voit déjà dans le domaine du transport de marchandises. Dans le cas du transport de personne, il faut penser, créer et développer des hubs de transport multimodal urbain basé sur les transports de masse durable assurant une réduction de CO2, une réduction des congestions et un apport économique.

Looking ahead, traffic engineers with advanced degrees have promising prospects. They can lead the integration of technology in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), optimize traffic through data analytics, and design infrastructure for connected and autonomous vehicles. In urban planning, they contribute to smart cities by integrating transportation with other systems

In my experience working in the railway industry, safety of construction workers and railway workers working in the proximity to rail tracks is paramount. There are many methods to protect the workers against trains such as automatic warning devices to give warning for any trains approaching the worksite. But there could be instances with human error that could lead to near miss or unfortunate fatalities. Therefore, the guidelines/ rules needs to very restricted towards controlling the train movement.

My research work on digital billboards and their impact on road users delves into the relationship between technology and human behavior in the context of traffic safety. By examining how these billboards influence drivers and pedestrians, the study contributes valuable insights into the effects of digital displays on attention and decision-making. Essentially, it helps us better understand the interaction between technology and people on the road, with the aim of improving overall road safety

On ne peux gérer efficacement les flux de trafic sans recueillir des données complexes qui servent de base de calculs pour apporter des solutions. L'utilisation et la maitrise d'outils à la pointe de la technologie peuvent permettre aux ingénieurs de la circulation de faire l'analyse et d’apporter les solutions. Cela nécessite obligatoirement l’élargissement de leurs compétences.

In traffic management and operations, advanced degrees pave the way for significant contributions. The focus lies in optimizing traffic flow, ensuring safety, and implementing intelligent transportation systems. Expertise in data analytics allows for informed decision-making, while a grasp of human factors helps design safer road systems. Essentially, advanced knowledge plays a vital role in shaping effective strategies to manage and improve traffic flow in urban environments

Walkability, walkability, walkability. Walkability is the accessibility of amenities by foot. It is based on the idea that urban spaces should be more than just transport corridors designed for maximum vehicle throughput. By offering a variety of transport options, a walkable system can enable people to reach their destinations faster, cheaper, and more conveniently. A walkable system can also reduce the dependency on cars, which can lower the traffic congestion, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions

Along with good planning, policy and execution, comes Law Enforcement. The best designs can be rendered less effective, or not effective at all, if road users do not follow the rules. A road sign works if it is obeyed. If traffic rules are not enforced, it cannot be expected of an engineer to “plan” for all scenarios of “bad” road user behaviour. Good planning and effective law enforcement will result in efficient, effective and cost-effective systems.

Techniques such as traffic simulation and modeling can be applied to optimize road networks. The emphasis is on developing effective policies that enhance transportation systems, considering factors like sustainability and safety

In recent times, advanced degrees in traffic education and research have played a crucial role. For instance, researchers have utilized behavior analysis to understand the factors influencing distracted driving. This knowledge informs targeted educational campaigns aimed at reducing distractions on the road, contributing to improved traffic safety awareness

Il faut que ces programmes d’éducation et de recherche de la prochaine génération d’ingénieurs aient un impact comportemental significatif et positif sur les usagers de la circulation.

As traffic professionals, we've spent decades trying to service increasing demands for roadway capacity. While some believe this is a good goal, society and the profession are shifting away from this. We have an obligation to help aid this shift towards a more sustainable system. For years, traffic engineers were known to city planners and policymakers as the ones that always said "no" when bikes, pedestrians, and other travel modes were considered over vehicles. We would point to a policy that said an intersection needed to be at a Level of Service (LOS) of D or better so bike lanes, transit lanes, etc., could not be accommodated. As a profession, we need to help move LOS D policies, and other policies like it, into the future.

In my experience traffic management is important but in some sectors of transportation such as railway needs more resources and research towards technology, planning and safety and more innovation with intervention from private sector.