IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON ISSUES FACING INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

In response to the growing interest and emphasis on multimodalism, the University Transportation Center for Alabama sponsored a project to identify future intermodal transportation planning issues that need to be addressed in the state. Results of a literature review and a survey of 70 state-level transportation agencies were synthesized to identify important intermodal issues. This paper presents these issues under 6 general themes: institutional issues; availability/accessibility of intermodal data; incorporation of new technologies; development of analytical tools for intermodal transportation planning; intermodal transportation education needs; and security. Initiatives are offered for each them for further consideration by both state agencies and transportation researchers. Specific efforts under each initiative are proposed for further attention in Alabama and presented as examples for other states.