Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

What is the primary focus of transportation engineering?

1. Safe and efficient movement of goods

2. Safe and efficient movement of people

3. Construction of transportation infrastructure

4. Environmental protection during transportation

The correct answer is: Safe and efficient movement of people

The primary focus of transportation engineering is indeed on the safe and efficient movement of people. This discipline encompasses the planning, design, operation, and management of transportation systems, ensuring that individuals can travel safely, comfortably, and effectively. It addresses various modes of transport, including roadways, railways, airports, and transit systems. While the movement of goods is also important within transportation engineering, it is primarily concerned with passenger mobility. Elements such as traffic flow, public transportation systems, pedestrian pathways, and safety measures are all integral components that highlight the focus on people within this field. Additionally, construction of transportation infrastructure and environmental protection are relevant aspects of transportation engineering but serve as means to achieve the overarching goal of facilitating the safe and efficient movement of individuals. Therefore, the emphasis on people distinctly characterizes the primary focus of transportation engineering in its broader context.