"This book is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in urban transportation planning. It fills a niche by properly emphasizing what "actors" and activities can influence the quality of the planning process and its eventual impact on a community. The authors present a unique approach to transportation planning by recognizing that, to be effective, planning must be an integral and ongoing part of the decision-making process.

The product of planning can be any form of communication with decision makers that provides useful information for understanding problems facing a metropolitan area, identifying alternative actions, selecting the best alternative, and developing successful implementation strategies.

The incorporation of major legislation (Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act, Clean Air Act amendments of 1990, etc.) and other developments that affect transportation planning (GIS, Traffic Impact Analysis, 1000 Friends of Oregon, etc.) distinguishes this text among others in the area."--BOOK JACKET.