Level of Service
Level of Service (LOS) is a way to measure and grade how well roads, intersections, or transit systems are working, similar to school grades from A to F. When this appears on a resume, it means the person has experience analyzing traffic flow and transportation quality. For example, LOS A means traffic flows freely with no delays, while LOS F indicates heavy congestion. Transportation planners use this system to help cities and organizations understand if their transportation systems are meeting community needs or need improvements.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted Level of Service analysis for 15 major city intersections
Improved LOS ratings from D to B through strategic road redesign
Applied Level-of-Service methodology to evaluate bus route efficiency
Typical job title: "Transportation Planners"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Transportation Planners
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where a proposed development project would decrease the Level of Service in an area?
Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss balancing community needs with traffic impacts, suggesting mitigation strategies like signal timing adjustments, road improvements, or alternative transportation options. They should mention stakeholder communication and cost-benefit analysis.
Q: How do you incorporate multimodal considerations into Level of Service analysis?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that show understanding of different transportation modes (cars, buses, bikes, pedestrians) and how to evaluate service quality for each. They should mention modern approaches that go beyond just measuring car traffic.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when conducting a Level of Service analysis?
Expected Answer: The answer should include traffic volume, peak hours, intersection design, signal timing, and delay measurements. They should also mention data collection methods and basic analysis tools.
Q: How do you explain Level of Service results to non-technical stakeholders?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to simplify technical concepts, use visual aids, and relate LOS grades to real-world experiences that community members can understand.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain what Level of Service grades mean?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic A-F grading system, what each grade represents in terms of traffic flow, and general conditions associated with each level.
Q: What tools do you use to collect data for Level of Service analysis?
Expected Answer: Should mention basic traffic counting methods, timing studies, and familiarity with standard transportation analysis software or spreadsheet tools.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic traffic counting and data collection
- Understanding of LOS grades and meanings
- Simple intersection analysis
- Use of standard analysis tools
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex corridor analysis
- Multiple intersection studies
- Report writing and presentations
- Basic mitigation strategies
Senior (5+ years)
- Regional transportation planning
- Complex mitigation strategies
- Stakeholder management
- Project team leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No field experience in traffic data collection
- Unfamiliarity with transportation analysis software
- Lack of understanding of basic traffic flow concepts
- No experience with report writing or presentation skills
Related Terms
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