Question

In zoning, traffic zones are related to

• A. Homogeneity of land use
• B. Population of defined ranges
• C. Traffic density
• D. Both Homogeneity of land use and population of defined ranges

Hint:

\textbf{Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs):} Geographical units for transportation planning and modeling.
\textbf{Criteria for delineating TAZs include:}
\textbf{Homogeneity of land use} (e.g., residential, commercial).
\textbf{Homogeneity of socio-economic characteristics.}
\textbf{Population size/range} (and availability of demographic data).
Respect for physical and administrative boundaries.
Appropriate size for modeling trip generation/attraction.
Traffic density is a result analyzed, not a primary delineation criterion itself.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs) are fundamental geographical units used in transportation planning and modeling. They are defined for the purpose of analyzing travel patterns, forecasting traffic demand, and planning transportation infrastructure. The delineation of TAZs is based on several criteria to ensure they are meaningful units for analysis. Key factors related to the definition and characteristics of TAZs:
Homogeneity of land use (Option a): TAZs are often delineated to represent areas with relatively uniform land use characteristics (e.g., predominantly residential, commercial, industrial). This is because different land uses generate and attract different types and amounts of traffic. Homogeneity helps in accurately modeling trip generation and attraction for that zone.
Population of defined ranges (Option b): The size of a TAZ (in terms of area or population) is important. They should be small enough to represent local travel behavior accurately but large enough to ensure data stability and manageability. Often, TAZs are defined to contain populations within a certain range or to align with census tracts or other administrative/statistical boundaries that provide demographic data. Population characteristics (including density) are key inputs for trip generation models.
Socio-economic homogeneity: Ideally, TAZs should also be relatively homogeneous in terms of socio-economic characteristics of the population, as these also influence travel behavior.
Physical boundaries: TAZ boundaries often follow natural or man-made physical features like rivers, major roads, or railway lines.
Data availability: Alignment with census tracts or other data collection units facilitates data gathering.
Not directly defined by Traffic density (Option c): Traffic density is an outcome or a measure of traffic conditions *within* or *between* zones, not usually a primary criterion for *defining* the zone boundaries themselves, though expected traffic generation is a factor in determining appropriate TAZ size. The question asks what traffic zones are "related to". Both homogeneity of land use and population characteristics (including size/density within defined ranges) are important criteria in delineating TAZs for effective transportation planning. Therefore, option (d) "Both Homogeneity of land use and population of defined ranges" is the most comprehensive and correct answer. \[ \boxed{\text{Both Homogeneity of land use and population of defined ranges}} \]