Intermodal Transportation Planning
As Idaho enters into the 21stcentury, one of the greatest challenges facing
our transportation systems is how to meet the needs of a rapidly growing and ever changing
economy. Currently, is the third fastest
growing state in the country. It is estimated that Idaho will see a 56% increase in population
between 2000 and 2030. This is twice the national average. With the increase in population, we will
continue to experience record numbers of vehicle registrations and vehicle miles traveled each year.
Thus,
is critical to ensure mobility for all users; compatibility with the environment; preservation of
community assets; provide for flexible funding schedules; and increase flexibility and responsiveness
to our users. Moreover, by integrating the current and future transportation system with land use at
all levels of government, the Idaho Transportation Department aims to maintain the quality of life
all Idahoans have come to expect.
What is Intermodal Planning?
The US Department of Transportation () has defined the following
as key elements of an intermodal approach to planning:
- Choice among transportation options provided by competing modes, independently
or in combination. (Choice also means that decision makers need to consider alternative systems to address
transportation needs before investing in infrastructure.)
- Connections that provide convenient, rapid, efficient, and safe transfer of
people or goods from one mode to another (including end point, pickup, and delivery) during a single journey
to provide the highest quality and most comprehensive transportation service for cost.
- Coordination and Cooperation among transportation organizations to improve
transportation service, quality, safety, and efficiency across all modes or combinations of modes in an
environmentally sound manner.
Simply, intermodal planning is the ability to connect various modes of transportation. Below are the are five modes
of transportation. Each has a separate web page/section that describes more in depth about the mode and its contribution
to the overall benefit to the transportation system.
There are also special programs that provide funding to local, regional ans statewide that benefit the overall
transportation system. These programs are:
Long-Range Planning:
Transportation Funding and Programming:
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