Web 2.0 Applications for Improving Public Participation in Transport Planning

Web 2.0, shorthand for Internet applications that rely on users to generate content and information, has the potential to significantly improve transport systems and operations. However, Web 2.0 applications are not being introduced as quickly in the transportation planning process as in other sectors. The goal of this paper is to encourage greater use of Web 2.0 applications in the transport planning process. The paper begins with an introduction to Web 2.0 and identifies four categories of applications. Next it describes each of these categories and provides transport-related examples. Finally it presents recommendations for developing Web 2.0 applications designed to improve public participation in the planning process and describes three conceptual Web 2.0 applications designed to improve public transport operations, improve the environmental impact assessment process and improve the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) New Starts process.