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466050-1 Report Abstract

ISTEA and Intermodalism: A User and Reference Guide to Intermodalism

Edward Owens and Carol A. Lewis, Texas Southern University, September 2002, 60 pp. (466050-1)

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) was passed in 1991 with the objective of encouraging greater coordination and efficiency of transportation movement among modes. The Act issued a challenge to transportation professionals to shift the old paradigms and explore new opportunities to improve the integration of modes, as well as to ask new questions about coordinated freight and passenger movements.

As public and private transportation providers deliberate the strengths and weaknesses of the first Act, it is important to record what has evolved in the area of intermodalism at the end of the six-year authorization period. This report examines some of the past challenges and requirements of ISTEA legislation. It reviews the meaning of intermodalism across modes for freight and passenger service. The report takes an in-depth look at public/private intermodal alliances that are working efficiently. These examples of intermodalism across the country are scanned, focusing on the state-of-the-industry. Documents are examined and synthesized to highlight these efforts. Elements identified as barriers to intermodalism are also identified. Recommendations to improve intermodalism are considered. Next, we examine the role of MPOs in intermodal transportation planning and look at the benefits of a National Intermodal Transportation System. Lastly, the report looks at ISTEA’s successor, The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21).

It is hoped that this publication will be a valuable guide for Federal, state and local planners, policymakers, and transportation practitioners.

Keywords: Intermodalism, ISTEA, Freight

ENTIRE REPORT (Adobe Acrobat File – 211 KB)