What formal training has the MPO technical staff received in travel demand forecasting?
Formal training may include coursework taken as part of an academic degree program, or completion of one or more professional training courses offered by FHWA or FTA. • Does the MPO technical staff require training in specific technical areas? If no one on the MPO technical staff (where technical staff may be provided by another MPO or State DOT) has formal training or experience in the use of travel forecasting methods, the MPO cannot assess the adequacy or validity of its long range travel demand forecasts. These MPOs may be unable to adequately defend their forecasts against technical challenges to the models or planning assumptions. • Does the MPO organizational structure include a technical committee to review planning assumptions and forecasting methods?Many MPOs establish technical committees comprised of state and local transportation planning professionals, private consultants, and other individuals having interest in the forecasting process. Such technical committees can help
