Public Transportation Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly interconnected world, the role of public transportation planners is becoming more and more critical.

As urbanization progresses and communities grow, the demand for skilled individuals who can design, implement, and manage our public transportation systems is on the rise.

But what exactly is expected from a public transportation planner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of public transportation planning,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable public transportation planner job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Public Transportation Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Public Transportation Planners work to develop, maintain, and improve public transportation systems.

They research and analyze transportation data to implement strategies that improve the efficiency, safety, and quality of public transportation services.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyzing transportation data to understand how well public transit systems are serving their communities
• Developing plans for new or improved public transportation services, such as bus routes, light rail systems, or subway lines
• Planning and managing projects to implement new transportation services or improvements
• Coordinating with government officials, community leaders, and the public to gain support for transportation plans
• Applying for and managing transportation funding, including grants and other resources
• Conducting environmental impact assessments for proposed transportation projects
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal transportation regulations
• Preparing reports and presentations to communicate transportation plans and progress to stakeholders
• Evaluating potential issues or obstacles in implementing transportation plans and working to mitigate these challenges
• Collaborating with engineers, architects, and other professionals in the design and implementation of transportation projects

 

Public Transportation Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Public Transportation Planner to join our team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for analyzing, managing, and implementing public transportation plans and policies.

The Public Transportation Planner will be involved in analyzing and forecasting travel patterns, assessing infrastructure needs, and developing strategies for public transportation systems.

This role requires extensive knowledge of urban planning principles, transportation laws and regulations, and strong analytical skills to evaluate public transportation services.

 

Responsibilities

• Analyze and forecast transportation needs and patterns within a community
• Develop and implement strategic transportation plans
• Work with local, regional, and national stakeholders to improve public transportation services
• Conduct surveys and research to evaluate public transportation needs
• Coordinate with engineers and architects during the design and development of transportation infrastructure
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal transportation regulations
• Prepare and present reports to public officials and the community
• Review and assess environmental impact reports
• Provide recommendations for improvement of public transportation systems

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or a related field
• Proven experience as a Transportation Planner or similar role
• Strong knowledge of transportation planning principles and practices
• Proficient in transportation modeling software
• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders, including community members, public officials, and engineers
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal transportation regulations

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Transportation Planner
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional site visits. Some travel may be required for meetings with stakeholders.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Urban Planning.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Public Transportation Planner Do?

Public Transportation Planners are key figures in the field of urban and regional planning.

They work for public transportation agencies, local governments, or consulting firms.

Their main responsibility is to develop, manage, and implement effective transportation plans and programs that ensure the smooth operation of public transit systems.

They are actively involved in the design and planning of transportation systems, including bus, train, subway, and other forms of public transit.

This includes determining the routes and schedules of public transportation, ensuring they are efficient and meet the needs of the community.

Public Transportation Planners also conduct research and analysis on various aspects such as population growth, urban development, and transportation demand.

This information is crucial in predicting future transportation needs and trends.

They often collaborate with engineers, architects, urban planners, and policymakers to ensure that transportation plans align with the development goals of the community or city.

In addition, they are responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of existing transportation systems, identifying problems, and recommending improvements or alternatives.

Furthermore, they also play a crucial role in public engagement, communicating with the public about transit plans and proposals, gathering feedback, and addressing concerns.

Their job also involves preparation of grant proposals to secure funding for transportation projects.

Lastly, they also ensure compliance with federal, state, and local transportation regulations and standards.

They might also be involved in the development of policies and procedures that guide transportation planning and operations.

 

Public Transportation Planner Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Public Transportation Planner should have the skills and qualifications that align with the complexities of urban planning and public transport systems, which include:

• Strong analytical skills to assess the efficacy of current transportation systems, identify areas for improvement, and design new systems for public transport.
• Excellent understanding of urban planning principles and the ability to incorporate these into effective transportation systems.
• Exceptional communication skills to engage with various stakeholders, including municipal officials, transit operators, and the public, and effectively convey planning concepts and proposals.
• Problem-solving skills to address challenges related to public transport, such as traffic congestion, accessibility issues, and environmental impact.
• Knowledge of computerized transportation models and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and analyzing transportation data.
• Understanding of local, state, and federal transportation policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms.
• Excellent project management skills to oversee the development and implementation of transportation plans and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

 

Public Transportation Planner Experience Requirements

Public Transportation Planners often have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, transportation planning, or a related field.

However, real-world experience is equally as valuable in this role.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in transportation or urban planning.

Their responsibilities during this period might include assisting senior planners in developing transportation plans and strategies, conducting research, and collecting data.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience often have a more in-depth understanding of transportation planning and might be involved in tasks such as analyzing transportation data, assessing environmental impacts of transportation plans, and participating in public outreach activities.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience, often serving as project managers overseeing transportation projects.

They may be involved in developing long-range transportation plans, coordinating with various stakeholders, and supervising junior planners.

Candidates seeking senior or managerial roles should have a minimum of 7 years of experience.

They may have a background in supervising a team of transportation planners, managing complex transportation projects, and developing strategic transportation plans at the city or regional level.

 

Public Transportation Planner Education and Training Requirements

Public Transportation Planners typically have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, transportation planning, or a related field such as civil engineering or geography.

They gain knowledge in planning theory, urban development, economic geography, and policy making.

Understanding of public policy issues related to transportation is also vital.

A strong background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is often required as the role involves a lot of mapping and spatial analysis.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in urban planning or a related field, especially for roles with higher responsibility or in specialized areas of public transportation planning.

In addition, certification as a Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) or a similar professional designation can enhance job prospects.

This certification validates the professional’s knowledge and expertise in the field.

To stay current with changes in the field, ongoing professional development courses or trainings in areas like land use planning, environmental regulations, and public policy can be beneficial.

Experience in working with public participation programs, transportation modeling software, and data analysis are also typically required.

Proficiency in written and verbal communication is essential, as the role requires presenting complex technical data to non-technical audiences.

In many cases, a valid driver’s license is also a requirement for public transportation planner positions.

 

Public Transportation Planner Salary Expectations

A Public Transportation Planner earns an average salary of $65,660 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as years of professional experience, academic qualifications, specific skills, and the location of the job.

 

Public Transportation Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a public transportation planner need?

Public transportation planners should have strong analytical skills, as they frequently need to analyze and interpret complex data related to traffic patterns, population trends, and budgetary constraints.

They should be excellent communicators, able to explain their plans and proposals to a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, community members, and transportation professionals.

Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technology is also beneficial.

 

Do public transportation planners need a degree?

Yes, most public transportation planners have a bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, transportation planning, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in one of these areas, especially for more senior roles.

In addition, voluntary certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) can enhance job prospects.

 

What should you look for in a public transportation planner resume?

A public transportation planner’s resume should demonstrate a solid background in urban or transportation planning, with a focus on public transportation systems.

Look for experience with project management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.

Familiarity with relevant software, such as GIS, can be a plus.

Finally, any examples of successful transportation initiatives they have led or contributed to could be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good public transportation planner?

A good public transportation planner is innovative, able to come up with creative solutions to complex transportation challenges.

They should be detail-oriented, capable of overseeing all aspects of transportation projects from conception to completion.

They must also be excellent communicators and collaborators, as they often work with diverse teams and need to be able to explain their proposals to a variety of audiences.

 

What are the daily duties of a public transportation planner?

A public transportation planner typically spends their day analyzing data on transportation usage, traffic patterns, and demographic trends.

They may conduct feasibility studies for new routes or services, develop transportation plans and policies, and meet with stakeholders to discuss their proposals.

They also monitor and evaluate existing transportation services to ensure they are meeting community needs.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we unveiled the true essence of what it means to be a public transportation planner.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about designing routes.

It’s about shaping the future of urban mobility, one transport plan at a time.

Armed with our handy public transportation planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to make your mark.

But why halt your journey there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every transport plan is a piece of the broader cityscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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