Transportation Systems Analysis and Transit Planning

Designing efficient, sustainable, and reliable transit networks is one of the most critical challenges facing modern cities. This course introduces you to the core principles of transportation systems analysis, guiding you from foundational definitions to practical planning methodologies. You will develop the skills to evaluate transit networks, model passenger demand, and make data-driven decisions for public and private transport projects. By reading through structured explanations and analyzing real-world planning scenarios, you will understand how to optimize transit routes and assess the economic impact of infrastructure developments. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental terminology, network components, and performance metrics of modern transportation systems. - Apply the classic four-step travel demand forecasting framework to predict passenger flows. - Model travel choices and distribution using gravity models and discrete choice logit formulations. - Analyze transit operations and bottleneck congestion using queueing theory and network analysis principles. - Evaluate the economic viability and social benefits of proposed transportation projects. - Leverage modern transit data standards, such as General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), to optimize urban mobility and integrate micro-mobility options. The course begins with core transportation definitions before moving step-by-step through demand modeling, operational analysis, and economic evaluation. You will progress through clear written explanations, practical formulas, and conceptual planning scenarios designed to build your confidence. This course is designed for beginners, aspiring urban planners, and civil engineering students looking for a solid foundation in transit planning, with no prior experience required. Start building the knowledge needed to shape the future of urban mobility today.