This article critically evaluates current transport planning evaluation practices, and describes ways to make
them more comprehensive and multi-modal. Conventional planning tends to evaluate transport system
performance based primarily on automobile travel conditions. A new planning paradigm recognises that
the ultimate goal of most transport activity is accessibility, which refers to people’s overall ability to reach
desired services and activities. The new paradigm expands the range of objectives, impacts and options
considered in the planning process. More comprehensive and multi-modal planning can help identify
truly optimal transport improvement options, considering all impacts. This is especially important in large
growing cities where increased motor vehicle traffic imposes particularly large costs.