Transport Planner

Roles and responsibilities

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Transport Planner to join our team in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As a Transport Planner, you will play a crucial role in developing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for our growing city and region.

• Conduct comprehensive transportation studies and analyses to inform urban planning decisions
• Develop and maintain transportation models using advanced software tools
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on transportation planning projects
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate transportation plans with broader urban development initiatives
• Analyze traffic patterns and propose solutions to improve mobility and reduce congestion
• Evaluate the impact of proposed developments on local and regional transportation systems
• Develop sustainable transportation strategies that align with environmental goals
• Engage with stakeholders, including government officials and community representatives, to gather input and present findings
• Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in transportation planning
• Contribute to the preparation of proposals and project bids
• Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance on projects

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field
• 5+ years of experience in transportation planning, with a proven track record of successful projects
• Working knowledge and experience of Abu Dhabi Strategic Transportation Evaluation and Assessment Model (STEAM).
• In-depth knowledge of transportation planning principles, practices, and emerging trends
• Proficiency in transportation modeling software such as VISSIM, Aimsun, or TransCAD
• Strong skills in GIS software and data analysis tools
• Excellent project management abilities, including budget control and resource allocation
• Comprehensive understanding of sustainable transportation solutions and their practical applications
• Thorough knowledge of local and regional transportation policies and regulations in the UAE
• Professional certification such as Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) or Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) is preferred
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including government officials and community representatives
• Experience conducting traffic impact studies and developing mitigation strategies
• Familiarity with transportation demand management strategies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools
• Knowledge of urban planning concepts and their intersection with transportation planning

Desired candidate profile

A Transport Planner is a professional responsible for developing, planning, and managing transportation systems and infrastructure to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable mobility within urban and rural areas. They work on a wide range of transportation planning projects, including road networks, public transit systems, freight logistics, and sustainable transportation solutions. Transport planners aim to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, minimize environmental impact, and enhance the overall quality of life for communities.

Transport planning is crucial for supporting urban growth, improving access to key services, and promoting sustainable development while addressing complex issues such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and climate change.

Key Skills and Responsibilities of a Transport Planner:

1. Transportation System Design and Planning

• Network Planning: Developing transportation networks that cater to the needs of communities, businesses, and industries, considering both current demands and future growth. This includes planning road systems, public transport routes, cycle lanes, pedestrian facilities, and freight corridors.
• Integrated Transport Systems: Planning multimodal transportation systems that integrate different modes of transport (e.g., buses, trains, cars, cycling, walking) to provide seamless connections and reduce dependency on private vehicles.
• Traffic Flow and Management: Analyzing traffic patterns and congestion points and recommending changes to optimize traffic flow, reduce bottlenecks, and improve safety.
• Sustainable Transport Solutions: Promoting environmentally friendly transportation options, such as electric vehicles (EVs), cycling, walking, car-sharing, and the expansion of public transportation, to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.

2. Transport Demand Forecasting and Analysis

• Traffic Modeling: Using sophisticated software tools like VISSIM, TRANSYT, SATURN, or AIMSUN to simulate traffic flows, predict future transportation demand, and analyze the impacts of changes in the transportation network.
• Demand Forecasting: Estimating future transport demand based on population growth, economic development, and changes in land use. This includes modeling and analyzing how different scenarios (e.g., new housing developments, infrastructure projects) affect travel patterns and transportation needs.
• Impact Assessment: Assessing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of proposed transportation projects. This involves studying how transportation systems will affect air quality, noise pollution, accessibility, and local communities.

3. Policy Development and Strategic Planning

• Transport Policy Recommendations: Advising government bodies, local authorities, and private sector clients on transportation policies, strategies, and long-term planning. This includes recommending policies for traffic management, parking, public transportation, and sustainability.
• Urban Mobility Planning: Working on urban mobility strategies that prioritize sustainable, people-centered transport, such as reducing car dependency, promoting public transit, and creating pedestrian-friendly environments.