Institutional Barriers to Intermodal Transportation Policies and Planning in Metropolitan Areas


Book Description

This report documents and presents the results of a study of institutional barriers to intermodal transportation policies and planning. Stakeholder interviews, a literature review and a national survey of 421 transit agencies, MPOs, and state DOTs were utilized to identify 13 organizational, interjurisdictional, and resource barriers to intermodal planning. Findings of the study suggest that building community support, adequate funding, education, and leadership commitment are the primary driving forces that can improve intermodal planning practices. Structure, procedure, and leadership provide the decision-making context for intermodal planning, that is, they enable (or restrict) the regional or local decision-making process. Ten context-shaping recommendations are offered. Action planning sessions held in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Austin, Texas; and Queens, New York indicated that a number of attributes can enhance the local intermodal planning process.
















Protecting and Preserving Rail Corridors Against Encroachment of Incompatible Uses


Book Description

Rail Corridor preservation and planning for the purpose of reducing or restricting incompatible development is an area of growing importance. This report provides an overview regarding encroachment and the elements that contribute to potentially incompatible development along rail corridors. The report reviews the legal tools that currently exist within Texas for corridor preservation and provides recommendations for new legislation, including draft legislation. The report then reviews the state of practice of corridor planning and preservation with mitigation against encroachment both in Texas and in selected other states around the country. The report pays special attention to incidents in which rail corridors are envisioned to host both freight and passenger services and the implications on land use. Finally, the report provides a review of costs associated to deal with encroachment, whether by planning, preservation, collaboration, or mitigation.







Jane's World Railways


Book Description