American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Level of Service (LOS) is determined by which factor?

1. The number of traffic signals

2. Road or street's ability to accommodate traffic flow

3. The total number of lanes available

4. The amount of land access provided

The correct answer is: Road or street's ability to accommodate traffic flow

The concept of Level of Service (LOS) is primarily focused on a road or street's ability to accommodate traffic flow. LOS is a qualitative measure used to assess the performance of a transportation facility, typically based on various criteria that influence the ease of travel for motorists and other roadway users. This measure takes into account factors such as travel speed, travel time, traffic interruptions, comfort, and convenience. By evaluating the road's ability to handle traffic flow, planners can identify how well a transport facility is functioning under current and projected conditions, which directly impacts traffic efficiency and user satisfaction. This assessment informs decisions regarding roadway design improvements, traffic management strategies, and resource allocation for infrastructure upgrades, ensuring that transportation systems can meet the demands of current and future traffic volumes. While the number of traffic signals, total number of lanes, and amount of land access are relevant to traffic management and planning, they serve more as contributing factors rather than the primary metric for determining LOS. The LOS assessment synthesizes these elements into a broader understanding of how well a roadway serves its users.