INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS TO INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION POLICIES AND PLANNING IN METROPOLITAN AREAS

In this conference presentation, the author discusses Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Project H-4C, which focuses on the institutional issues related to the intermodal transportation policies and planning activities associated with the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). He points out that, although the problem statement for this project is to examine the institutional barriers to intermodal planning and policy making, the project is also considering how intermodal projects can be advanced given existing institutional arrangements, identifying what improvements are needed and what changes will make the biggest difference, developing strategies to overcome the identified barriers, and identifying projects to field test these strategies. An interim report, documenting the barriers, potential improvements to the planning process, and specific strategies has been completed. The final stage of the project will be to field test these strategies at selected metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) throughout the country.