Airports as intermodal hubs

Miami and Providence

Jon Boyd, Jul 28, 10.

Some U.S. airports are waking up to the potential of some of their key assets: buses, cars and trains headed their way and acres of unused land.

They’re starting to see themselves as all-purpose transportation centers — so-called intermodal hubs — where national, regional or metro rail, local buses, rental cars, taxis and shuttle operations are consolidated.
Some, such as those in Miami and Providence, are building them. Others are seriously considering it. The goal is to not only give travelers greater access to and from airport terminals, but to make the airport a central station where people go for a variety of choices in ground transportation.

Travelers, for instance, could take a local express bus or light rail to an airport, many of which are far from urban centers, for more than a flight. There, they could rent a car, or get regional or even national rail service to go somewhere else — without having to transfer to another station. And they could do it without having to drive and park their car in a far-flung lot. The same options exist when they land.

In addition to Miami and Providence, San Diego is developing commuter rail and local trolley stops at Lindbergh Field, according to USA Today. The article also mentions Newark monorail link to Amtrak and commuter rail; Baltimore/Washington International’s connection to commuter and light rail; and Milwaukee’s shuttle bus to the Amtrak station.

(Photo credit: Richard Eriksson Pictured is the MAX light rail stop at Portland International Airport)