This class is an introduction to planning transportation in urban areas. The approach, while rooted on the analytical tools, which estimate outcomes and benefit/cost ratios of a given alternative, follows a holistic approach. The course topics include the history of urban transportation, highway finance, environmental and planning regulations, air quality, modal characteristics, land use and transportation interaction and emerging information technologies for transportation planning. Students either with a primary or a peripheral interest in transportation are equally welcome.
The course uses a community case study from the Nablus City and the surrounding areas, both because of its proximity and the strong influence Nablus has had on the West Bank transport policy. In parallel, examples from other cities and countries describe the challenges faced elsewhere, as well as lessons learnt. There will be a walking tours and site visits of several transportation sites in Nablus.
