TRANSPORTATION PLANNER
Salary
Graduate: £19,500- £21,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £35,000 - £100,000
Main Employers
Job Profile
Transportation planners conduct methodical research and analysis to propose means of travel by road, air, or water that meet the needs of people, cargo and the environment. Increasing awareness of the environmental and social effects of road transport has shifted the emphasis from traditional forecasting to managing growing travel demand.
Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:
- Designing, interpreting and presenting transport and travel surveys
- Using statistical analysis to interrogate travel data or accident records
- Using mathematical and computer simulation models to forecast effects of road improvements, policy changes and public transport schemes
- Evaluating the benefits and costs of different schemes
- Participating in public consultation initiatives
- Assessing the transport effects and infrastructure requirements of new developments
- Developing designs for new or improved transport infrastructure
- Policy research
Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include:
Business Studies; Economics; Engineering; Environmental Science; Geographical Information Systems; Geography; Mathematics; Social Science; Urban Planning;
It is possible to enter this career with an HND, although many employers regard a degree as essential and candidates with a postgraduate degree in a transport related subject are highly sought after.
Career Development
The UK's transport system is overstretched as a result of many years of growth. The role of the transport professional has widened considerably and now places greater emphasis on developing strategies to manage demand and change people's travel behaviour in line with government guidelines.
Qualified transportation planners are in great demand and prospects over the next few years are excellent. Road user charging schemes and transport improvements for the London Olympics will further increase employment opportunities across the country as consultancies and contractors use all available resources.
Around 11,000 transportation planners are currently employed in the UK. Just over half are employed in the private sector (particularly consultancies), with the rest employed in the public sector (mainly local authorities). The number of women in the profession is currently low at around 30 percent. However, increasing numbers of women are applying to this sector and the figure is steadily increasing.
Some consultancies offer paid summer placement schemes. Consultants are often happy to offer unpaid experience, which may lead to a job on graduation. Movement between the public and private sectors does occur, although there are perceived differences between the two, making transfer less appropriate at more senior levels. It may be necessary to move to a post in a different public sector body or consultancy to achieve promotion.
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