What do you do if your transportation project is lacking the right planning tools?

3 Evaluate your choices

The third step is to evaluate the pros and cons of each planning tool you are considering. You can use criteria such as functionality, accuracy, reliability, flexibility, scalability, interoperability, usability, cost, and support. You can also test the tools on a sample or pilot project to see how they perform in practice. You can compare the outputs, outcomes, and impacts of different tools, as well as the inputs, processes, and resources required to use them. You can also solicit feedback from your stakeholders, partners, or clients to gauge their satisfaction and expectations.

4 Adapt your approach

The final step is to adapt your planning approach based on the planning tools you have chosen or acquired. You may need to adjust your data collection and preparation methods, your modeling and simulation techniques, your visualization and communication strategies, and your decision-making processes. You may also need to update your skills or knowledge, or seek external assistance or training. You may also need to monitor and review your planning performance and results, and update or upgrade your planning tools as needed.

Planning tools are essential for transportation planning, but they are not always readily available or suitable for every project. By following these steps, you can overcome the challenges of lacking the right planning tools and achieve your planning goals.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?