Transportation planning primarily involves which of the following?

Transportation planning focuses heavily on understanding travel patterns and predicting future transportation needs, which is encapsulated in the process of travel demand analysis and forecasting. This process includes using data and models to estimate the number of trips people will take and the modes of transport they will choose, incorporating factors such as population growth, changes in land use, and economic trends. By effectively analyzing and forecasting travel demand, planners can develop strategies that enhance transportation systems, improve efficiency, and minimize congestion.

While highway construction, public transport management, and urban development are all crucial components of the broader transportation infrastructure, they are more specific activities that fall under the umbrella of transportation planning. The primary focus of transportation planning itself is to assess current and future travel demands to inform those specific decisions regarding infrastructure and management.