SPD108 - Fundamentals of Transportation Planning

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2025-01-27 01:31:32.167
Last review date 2025-03-17 00:15:25.664


Subject Title
Fundamentals of Transportation Planning

Subject Description
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore the changing face of Transportation Planning in the twenty-first century. Students examine different methods utilized by Planning practitioners to analyze transportation problems and propose solutions, including demand analysis framework, data collection procedures, travel demand modelling and forecasting, and cost-effectiveness evaluations for new initiatives. The course also uses case studies from the Greater Toronto Area.

Credit Status
One credit toward the Sustainable Planning and Development Certificate program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  • Evaluate and analyze the roles and responsibilities of transportation planning professionals.
  • Apply practical tools in situational problem solving, data management/analysis, and policy analysis.
  • Solve situational problems/simulations using forecasting, valuation, and demand analysis.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
None

Topic Outline

  1. Course introduction and transportation concepts overview
  2. Transportation systems and travel modes:
    1. Active transportation: walking and cycling
    2. Auto transportation and parking
  3. Transit technologies and modes
  4. Project assessment and costing
  5. Transit network planning (transit planning and design)
  6. Data sources and modeling
  7. Self-guided transit tour
  8. Transportation futures
  9. Equity and accessibility
  10. Land use and transit-oriented development

     

Mode of Instruction
Lectures, group work, in-class exercises, assignments and presentations.

Prescribed Texts


None.



To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.

Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.

Reference Material

Selected readings each week, as assigned.

Optional reference material:

Walker, Jarrett. (2011). Human Transit : How Clearer Thinking about Public Transit Can Enrich Our Communities and Our Lives, Island Press, 2011.
ProQuest eBook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.libaccess.senecapolytechnic.ca/lib/senecac/detail.action?docID=3317586
 

Required Supplies
None

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).



Modes of Evaluation
English Proficiency

  • All written work should demonstrate the following characteristics for clarity and conciseness:
    • writing is consistent with the rules of English grammar
    • spelling and punctuation are correct
    • sentences are structured correctly
    • main ideas are supported with specific, relevant examples and reasons
    • work flows logically through supporting statements/paragraphs
    • work is arranged in correct format (e.g., as a report, essay)
    • up to 10% of the final grade may be deducted on all work if the above English competencies are not met.
Assignments
  • Assignments are due at the beginning of the class on which they are due.
  • A late pealty of 10% per day is assessed for late assignments , including those not handed in at the beginning of class when due.
  • Mateial will not be accepted after one week following the due date and / or when the marked material is returned to students, whichever comes first.
  • Assignments are to be prepared by computer.

Format for Assignments
  • Students must use the standard, APA style for quoting sources.   Help is available at:  http://library.senecapolytechnic.ca

Grading is based on the following marking scheme:
In-class discussion and participation 20%
Transportation topic presentations 20%
Transit tour reflection 15%
Problem Statement 15%
Final presentation 30%

MINIMUM PERFORMANCE FOR GRADUATION

No student will be eligible to graduate with a Seneca College certificate or diploma if, in more than 30% of the subjects required for graduation, the student has received a "D" grade.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.

PLEASE RETAIN THIS SUBJECT OUTLINE FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE USE IN SUPPORT OF CREDIT APPLICATIONS AT OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Approved by: Tina Kotsiomitis