3. Integrated transport and land use planning

As discussed above, integration of transport and land use is a central feature of good planning, and should occur at all planning levels (see Figure 1).

To help achieve this, the guidelines have:

  • Included integrated transport and land use planning as a central element of System Planning in the ATAP Framework
  • Developed new guidance for integrated transport and land use planning. The new guidance can be found in Part F0.2 of the guidelines.

In dealing with the transport and land use planning integration challenge, a touchstone is continued application of the ‘goals – problems – options/solutions’ logic which underpins the ATAP (ATAP steps 1 to 3 and is repeated at each planning level):

  • The formulation of spatial plans is led by the definition of jurisdiction goals plus integrated and consistent urban development and transport system objectives.
  • The identified goals and objectives form a basis for identifying problems to be addressed through integrated transport and land use planning and management.
  • The ‘problem-solutions’ logic of steps 2 and 3 of the ATAP framework come into play in a numbers of ways:
    • When considering how town planning strategies – such as astute location of employment concentrations and higher density housing – it improves transport performance while also delivering more liveable towns and cities.
    • In the formulation of spatial plans, particularly at the city and corridor levels, it is applied in the assessment and appraisal of prospective city shaping investments alongside other potential strategies to deliver the desired urban development outcomes in question. When applied rigorously, this integrated assessment process may see the endorsement of strategic road, public transport and other transport initiatives as ‘business case worthy’.
    • Improved transport performance is sought by considering all possible solutions to identified problems of congestion, connectivity or safety. These can include pricing, governance and behaviour change strategies as well as investment in new transport assets.