Airport Ground Access and Intermodal Interface

Abstract

The airport ground transportation system is receiving increasing attention from airport authorities and regional transportation planning agencies. The need to plan for facilities at the airport and concern about the impact of traffic on streets and highways surrounding the airport, and about emissions generated by this traffic are forcing airports to consider strategies to reduce or mitigate ground access traffic. The 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act has caused transportation agencies at all levels to address the integration of different transportation modes, including coordination between the air and surface components of the transportation system. The range of ground access planning issues is reviewed, and three alternative strategies to improve intermodal connections at airports are discussed: new or upgraded rail links, off-airport terminals, and ground transportation centers at the airport. The planning and design issues that arise with each type of facility are addressed, as well as the analytical tools and data needed to evaluate the wide range of airport ground access projects and to plan the implementation of those selected. These include air passenger and truck surveys, development of operational data on the ground access system, and use of access mode choice and traffic flow models. Research needs in the area of airport ground access are also discussed.