3.4 SMART Transport Planning Objectives

Transport planning should be about delivering the desired changes in a study area and it is therefore crucial that the Transport Planning Objectives reflect this and should therefore express outcomes.

At Pre-Appraisal, Transport Planning Objectives may be articulated in general terms indicating the desired direction of change. It is recommended that this is sufficient for the purposes of qualitative Part 1 Appraisal.

It is imperative that Transport Planning Objectives are expressed with SMART principles in mind. This will enable them to be finalised as the STAG study progresses and more information becomes available. The analysis of data and evidence of problems and/or opportunities is crucial in setting robust Transport Planning Objectives.

In advance of Part 2 Appraisal, Transport Planning Objectives must be finalised in more specific terms and where appropriate, include a target.

A SMART objective will be:

• Specific,  it will say in precise terms what is sought;
• Measurable, there will exist means to establish to stakeholders' satisfaction whether or not the objective has been achieved;
• Attainable, there is general agreement that the objective set can be reached;
• Relevant, the objective is a sensible indicator or proxy for the change which is sought; and
• Timed, the objective will be associated with an agreed future point by which it will have been met.

SMART Transport Planning Objectives can be challenging to set - they demand insight, careful consideration and impose greater accountability. There is, however, an importance attached to making the necessary effort in arriving at SMART Transport Planning Objectives as:

• The SMART Transport Planning Objectives provide an essential focus on the outcomes sought for the study area and, if intelligently set, will facilitate the satisfactory resolution of any conflicting priorities; and
• May foster and shared enthusiasm for the achievement of such Transport Planning Objectives.

SMART Transport Planning Objectives provide a unique opportunity for recognition of achievement. As discussed in more detail under the heading of Monitoring and Evaluation, during Post Appraisal, indicators must be developed from the Transport Planning Objectives established for the study.

It is important that SMART Transport Planning Objectives are finalised in advance of Part 2 Appraisal with the intention of developing meaningful indicators for detailed quantitative appraisal and subsequent Monitoring and Evaluation purposes.