Traffic vs. Transportation Engineer: What's the Difference?

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Traffic vs. Transportation Engineer: What's the Difference?

Рет қаралды 24,213

Күн бұрын

I explain the difference between traffic engineers and transportation engineers. What is their typical role? What tasks do they perform? I also explain why we need both of them for our transportation infrastructure.
Follow me on Twitter: / byrontangte

Пікірлер: 67

@gtjovan Жыл бұрын

Traffic engineer here . Great breakdown !

@ByronTang Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@QuangNguyen-vg1hr 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your video! It is helpful for a junior Civil Engineer student like me to figure out what I like to do for my future career.

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad it helped!

@MRBOBBY8706 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Looking to get into transportation engineering from bridge inspection and this helped a lot!

@ByronTang Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@tranquillo1778 Жыл бұрын

Started to watch your videos from yesterday and I love it! Very well made and educational. I am thinking of applying MS in transportation engineering in US.... Wish me luck!

@ByronTang Жыл бұрын

Thank you, that means a lot! I really enjoy the transportation side of civil engineering. I hope you do, too. Good luck!

@ohiedulhaquemohammadasad5585 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Tang. I have subscribed to your channel recently and i found your videos interesting. Those are quite informative. I have an interest in traffic engineering as well. Keep uploading more to let us know the insights about this field.

@ByronTang 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Ohiedul Haque Mohammad Asad! Thanks for subscribing. I definitely have plans to have more traffic engineering content in the future. I hope you will like it :)

@ohiedulhaquemohammadasad5585 3 жыл бұрын

@@ByronTang definitely. looking forward to more videos

@wilsonpascoal2549 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tang! I'm your new subscriber. One love from Africa and God bless you! 🙏🏽

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Wilson Pascoal! Thank you!!! Much love! Hoping you will get value from my videos and the future ones. See you around

@wombat0433 2 жыл бұрын

Darn bro you so organized good job son

@noureddinebelguesmia5728 2 жыл бұрын

Merci beaucoup c'est très intéressant.

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

@AruamanKelvin 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this insightful video...

@lyudmilalogvin3331 5 ай бұрын

Very Very Good Video!

@Donot30 2 жыл бұрын

How is transportation planning different from the planning work that traffic engineers do?

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Great question! There can be a bit of overlap with the two but I have worked with transportation planners that focus a lot more on other modes of transportation, like transit. Also, transportation planners often work with transportation models on a regional level. They can also be more focused on pursuing grants, community outreach, or understanding sociological factors. It will depend on the organization the planner works for, but those are some of the things I have seen.

@Donot30 2 жыл бұрын

@@ByronTang that’s cool. Thanks for the reply! Also, is it common for Transportion planners to be civil majors? Do people get their PE for that job career?

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

@@Donot30 My opinion is that it is more common for civil/traffic engineers to transition to transportation planners later in their career rather than the other way around. As traffic engineers progress in their careers, they will need to see the bigger picture, which tends to have more transportation planning elements to it. For example, nowadays I am involved with transportation planning work. I think it is more rare to see it the other way around.

@asaduzzamanayon1983 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Tang, great video as always. I was wondering is there any chance of implementing AI in your daily job since it's related to traffic. I'm currently in my sophomore year in Civil and Environmental Engineering and I really love AI and machine learning. And if traffic or transportation engineering can leverage the power of AI, I guess I'll go into that route in future. Cheers!

@ByronTang 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Asaduzzaman, thank you and really good question. The traffic industry has a lot of AI, machine learning, and data analytic needs and I think it will grow in the future. We constantly collect traffic data and other big data, so traffic engineers need to be able to make sense of it all. Just think when connected cars and autonomous vehicles become more common. Exciting!

@moonman239 2 жыл бұрын

Have you considered double-majoring/minoring in computer science or data science? You might get more exposure to AI that way.

@westmax8491 2 жыл бұрын

@@ByronTang is there a course you would recommend for machine learning, AI and data analytics since I am also looking into both transportation and traffic engineering fields

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

@@moonman239 I thought about it a long time ago but going back to school will be challenging at this point with my current obligations. I did take coding classes with my own time a couple years ago.

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

@@westmax8491 I really liked Colt Steele's Python online course. It doesn't go into machine learning/AI/data analytics but it gives you a good foundation with Python which could lead into a lot of machine learning/AI/data analytics. I am not a serious coder so I would recommend asking others who may know more about it.

@SouthSideStrings 2 жыл бұрын

Do you think an Industrial Engineering graduate could work as a Traffic Engineer? I feel like there is a lot of overlap between the coursework of Industrial and the job of a Traffic Engineer.

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Garrett, great question. I don't want to say it is not possible, but I personally have not seen any traffic engineers with a industrial engineering background. In my experience, the majority of traffic engineers tend to be civil engineers and maybe a few electrical engineers. I have seen other non-civil engineers get into civil engineering by getting a masters in civil engineering while retaining their non-civil engineering bachelor's and then finding work in a civil engineering position. The key is you need to eventually get experience in civil engineering/traffic engineering. It may be difficult to get hired entry level, but if you stand out in some way, it could help. Getting your EIT is also highly recommended. I wonder if anyone reading this has experience getting a civil engineering job without a civil engineering degree???

@ghaziabdullah9640 4 ай бұрын

Is traffic engineer's job always office based ?

@ByronTang 4 ай бұрын

From my experience, most of the time is spent in the office, but you do get chances to be out in the field. It will vary depending on what kind of work you do.

@ranahamwi1 Жыл бұрын

Hi Byron! Thank you so much for this informative video and all your other useful video! Did you take your traffic engineering exam? I am an EIT working in the transportation field in California and hoping to connect with people who have done the TE exam! Thank you and all the best!

@ByronTang Жыл бұрын

Hi! Yes, I am a licensed traffic engineer. I'd be happy to connect! There are a couple ways to reach me privately. My LinkedIn is (www.linkedin.com/in/byronian/), but I also have a Twitter that can respond to direct messages (twitter.com/ByronTangTE). Let me know if neither of those work for you. Since you work in California, maybe we will cross paths one day :)

@ngohuy5905 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Tang for your last responds and your videos always amazing and helpful. If you donot mind I still have questions. I understand most students are only got a bachelor science of civil engineer that they can find entry level traffic engineer jobs but I found out in undergraduate we took only 1 or maximum 2 classes related to transportation engineer. The remains are geotechnical, structural, environmental, hydraulic. Then I see if we continue to study master program of transportation program, there will lots of softwares we will learn in school like PTV Vistro/Vissim, HCS, Synchro/SimTraffic,... My question is in case I have only bachelor degree without any basic knowledge of those softwares listed, so will companies usually training me to use those software in the entry level position or I must understand all those softwares before getting the entry level job ? I am appreciate again and always best wishes for you.

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

It is helpful to know the basics of these software programs, but at the same time you will likely get training on the job and it will be hard to get really good using one of them until you get work experience with then. I did a different video where I talked about the mistake I made thinking I had to know so many different software programs right after graduating and it turned out I didn’t need to. People may have a different experience but that is my opinion. To me, it’s more important to be able to learn quickly and have the confidence to figure things out on your own in the case you suddenly need to learn a new software program for your job.

@petrevaleanu5105 2 жыл бұрын

@@ByronTang can you please link the video where you talk about it?

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

@@petrevaleanu5105 Sure, kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qLJhmKmkyrOrhnU.html

@yamseangleak8522 Жыл бұрын

Hey tang ,thank you for your video that very helpful for me as fresh graduated of civil engineering . Right now , I'm planning to pursue a master of MTE in Singapore maybe NUS or Nanyang , do you think doing master of transport engineer in Singapore good ?

@ByronTang Жыл бұрын

It’s good, but I would say that having actual work experience is even better. Not to say that you shouldn’t get your masters, but it’s really important to get work experience at some point. Make sure you are still thinking about that and your plans going forward. At least that is what I see here in the US.

@magedmilad46 Жыл бұрын

Hey Tang .Thanks for this informative video which we learnt alot from it Could I ask you about the carrer path of the traffic engineer and the average salary of this major ? Where can you handle your work .from office or from site ?

@ByronTang Жыл бұрын

Hi! The average salary varies by region. I know where I work (SF Bay Area), it is significantly higher than the rest of the US. Entry level positions can range from $70,000-$100,000/year. Once you have your bachelor’s in civil engineering, you usually can qualify for an entry level job (make sure to get your EIT too). Most work is done at the office with occasional visits to a job site.

@tanv33r 2 жыл бұрын

How do I get in touch with you?

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Right now the best way to get in touch with me is through Twitter. You can send me a direct message @ByronTangTE

@AAhmad3449 Жыл бұрын

This is my career I want but I’m a sophomore In college for construction science & management degree can I still work in this area? Or do I HAVE to be an engineer?

@ByronTang Жыл бұрын

Almost all engineers I know have an engineering degree. I do know some engineers who don’t have a non-engineering bachelor’s degree and an engineering masters degree. Perhaps you can try to get in engineering that way. But construction management does share some responsibilities that civil engineers have so I would like to think it is possible. I just don’t know anyone in real life as an example.

@ngohuy5905 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tang, that was an amazing video to help me more motivated. I have many questions if u donot mind that is it worth to pursuit master of transportation engineer or BS Civil engineer is enough ? And will we need to pass FE immediately to find an entry level position ? Thanks in advance

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, thank you, glad you liked the video! In general, from what I’ve seen, a BS in Civil Engineering is good enough to get an entry level position. A Masters can make you more competitive but I know a lot of people who are transportation engineers without a masters of transportation engineering. I would highly recommend that you pass the FE as soon as you can. In my opinion, that is even more important than having a masters degree when seeking an entry level position.

@vhaun7878 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Tang, thank you for your video! I was a Structural Engineer but I'm currently studying a C.E Technician course which is specialized for infrastructures. Do you think the experience I gained previously (structural - high rise/low rise buildings) + what I'm studying now help me transition to a Traffic or Transportation Engineer?

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Vhaun! Specific structural experience will not be relevant to most traffic engineering work. There may be a little structural knowledge involved in transportation engineering. Structural experience will help the most in obtaining your civil engineering license, which all traffic and transportation engineers still typically get.

@vhaun7878 2 жыл бұрын

@@ByronTang that sounds good at least. I'm looking into this as one of the possible careers i might transition to in the future. Thank you so much!

@itsnoteasybrother 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Tang, I completed my graduation in civil engineering recently.How is the opportunities in US after doing MS in construction management

@ByronTang 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Akhil, I believe there are opportunities out there, although entry-level will still be competitive. You still need to do whatever you can to stand out. The US is passing a big infrastructure bill which should lead to more projects in the future and more opportunities.

@travelusa2025 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Tang, I am your new subscriber. I have completed BE in Civil Engineering from Nepal, and Now planning for masters in US . i would be grateful if you provide some insights about job opportunity and Career after MS in Transportation engineering in USA as international Students. Thank you

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Prabesh, thanks for your support! Awesome to hear you are looking to get your MS here. I think there will be a lot of opportunities here if you want to work in transportation engineering due to the new infrastructure bill that was signed by the US government. While you are studying here, it will be very important to get some work experience as an intern or at entry level if you can as there are things you need to learn that aren’t taught in school. If you can do this, your future will have a great foundation to land a good job after you complete your MS

@travelusa2025 2 жыл бұрын

@@ByronTang thanks very much for your valuable suggestions Tang.

@nathan8472 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Tang, I'm going for a B.S. in CE what degree do you have if ya don't mind me asking. I saw an MS program in transportation but I'm 2 years away from graduation and it took me a while to get there. Well, I don't have to think about it now. Was thinking of just trying to get work experience. Great video btw

@ByronTang 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Nathan! I have a B.S. in CE. A MS degree can help but relevant work experience is crucial if you are looking to get a transportation-related engineering job. A good internship while in college is worth a lot in my opinion.

@syednaqvi9212 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Tang! I'm in my final year of Civil Engineering and I love AI. I want to implement AI in traffic engineering but I'm not sure how to do so. What courses would you recommend me to take (like python, machine learning) in order to be able to implement AI in traffic engineering. I'm also keen to write a research paper on this topic but I'm clueless where to start from.

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Syed Naqvi! I do not write code for AI so my experience is limited here, but I do know some Python and that is the programming language most commonly used for AI, machine learning, etc. As you probably found out, most Civil Engineering courses wont teach you much about programming. If you're not going to take any college courses for programming or pursue some kind of dual major, I would try to learn from resources on the internet or books. There are some good online programs to learn the basics of programming and AI or machine learning. From there you can try to take on your own projects to refine your skills.

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

This is a highly regarded book for starting out machine learning. I have not read it (yet). You will probably need to know some Python. www.amazon.com/Hands-Machine-Learning-Scikit-Learn-TensorFlow/dp/1492032646/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=ai+python&qid=1635615450&sr=8-3

@moonman239 2 жыл бұрын

Your engineering discipline sounds a little bit like mine - software engineering. There's planning, design, coding, and then maintenance,. But at least we have certain techniques and stuff available to us that you don't. If something goes wrong in software, we can just keep quitting and re-running it until we find out what caused it. I guess that would be equivalent to ripping up a road and reconstructing it.

@ByronTang 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting perspective! It makes sense at the highest level when we build things (like roads and software) we would need similar stages of development. You’re right, it would be great to have an undo function or being able to restart if something went wrong in construction. Construction projects have a bad reputation for being too expensive. Thanks for sharing!