Transportation Planning and Design Principles:

Transportation planning and design principles are an integral part of the optional subject. Here are some of the key principles that are covered:

1. Sustainable Transportation:
- Encourages the use of sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, and public transit.
- Aims to reduce the dependency on private vehicles, thereby minimizing traffic congestion and pollution.
- Promotes the integration of land-use and transportation planning to create more livable and sustainable communities.

2. Complete Streets:
- Focuses on designing streets that are safe, accessible, and user-friendly for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
- Encourages the provision of wide sidewalks, dedicated bicycle lanes, and safe crossing facilities.
- Emphasizes the need for a balanced transportation system that accommodates the needs of all users.

3. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD):
- Promotes the development of compact, mixed-use neighborhoods centered around transit stations.
- Encourages high-density development near transit hubs to maximize accessibility and reduce automobile dependency.
- Facilitates the integration of land-use and transportation planning to create vibrant, walkable communities.

4. Context-Sensitive Design:
- Recognizes the importance of designing transportation infrastructure that is sensitive to the surrounding context, including cultural, historical, and environmental factors.
- Takes into account the needs and preferences of the local community to create transportation facilities that blend harmoniously with the surroundings.
- Encourages the use of design elements that enhance the aesthetic appeal and visual quality of the transportation infrastructure.

5. Accessibility and Universal Design:
- Focuses on designing transportation facilities that are accessible to all individuals, including people with disabilities, children, and the elderly.
- Promotes the use of universal design principles to ensure that transportation infrastructure is usable by people with diverse abilities.
- Emphasizes the need for barrier-free access, including ramps, elevators, and tactile paving, to enhance mobility and inclusivity.

In conclusion, transportation planning and design principles covered in the optional subject include sustainable transportation, complete streets, transit-oriented development, context-sensitive design, and accessibility and universal design. These principles aim to create transportation systems that are safe, efficient, and user-friendly while promoting sustainability, community livability, and inclusivity.