otor vehicles continue to be the principal means of transportation in the United States.  Despite the problems of congestion, delay, parking, pollution, and safety, motor vehicles are expected to dominate surface transportation for the foreseeable future.  Solutions to transportation problems and improvements to transportation facilities and services can reasonably be developed after the magnitude, location, and extent of the problems or the need for improvements are well understood.

Such understanding comes from factual information gathered in an unbiased, objective manner and analyzed to present a clear, concise picture of the nature of the problem and the impact it is having on the existing transportation system.

In a similar manner, the need for transportation improvements can be defined and evaluated.

"Manual of Transportation Engineering Studies"

Institute of Transportation Engineers