A USDOT University Transportation Center

Multimodal Access to Transportation

Multimodal access to transportation takes into account, plans, and develops for the many ways a public transportation user might get to and from that service, whether that is by walking, biking, feeder public transportation systems or driving.1 Some infrastructure and services to provide include benches and shelters at public transportation stops, pedestrian signals at crosswalks sufficient crossing times, the capacity to carry or store bikes on public transportation, parking for vehicles, informational and navigational support, and other transit-oriented development designs.

Considering this strategy will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Transportation lifecycle phases

This strategy is associated with the following transportation lifecycle phases:

  • Construction
  • End of Life
  • Maintenance
  • Material Selection
  • Operations
  • Policy and Planning
  • Project Development

Who's involved

  • Local businesses
  • Local governments
  • MPOs
  • Policymakers
  • Private developers
  • State governments
  • Transit agencies
  • Vulnerable road users
Multimodal access to transportation takes into account, plans, and develops for the many ways a public transportation user might get to and from that service, whether that is by walking, biking, feeder public transportation systems or driving.1 Some infrastructure and services to provide include benches and shelters at public transportation stops, pedestrian signals at crosswalks sufficient crossing times, the capacity to carry or store bikes on public transportation, parking for vehicles, informational and navigational support, and other transit-oriented development designs.

How it Helps

Facilitating the use of public transportation can increase the use of the system and increase health by encouraging active transportation, reducing private vehicle use thereby reducing emissions and traffic violence. Encouraging multimodal access to public transportation can also enhance access to health-promoting resources and improve equity.1

Implementing

Understanding Needs:
In order to ensure multimodal access to public transportation for all populations, planners and transit agencies need to fully understand the specific needs of these populations. For example, communities with a higher percentage of older adults may require more wheelchair-accessible infrastructure solutions and more places to sit while waiting for public transit.

Equity Concerns:

To provide transportation affordably and equitably means to—at all project stages—deliver transportation projects that ensure and improve comparable transportation system performance and infrastructure, reasonable and affordable transportation options, access to jobs and essential destinations, and competitive options for freight movement. It also means lowering transportation costs for lower-income communities, equitably reducing maintenance- or construction-related delays, and maintaining or improving transportation options during maintenance periods for all.

Other Considerations:

Location and situation of these services or connections is important to consider, as are the facilities and amenities themselves.

Examples

1) Tennessee Department of Transportation Multimodal Access Grant

TDOT’s Multimodal Access Grant is a state-funded program that aims to support multimodal infrastructure projects that serve public transportation users, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users. Projects are evaluated based on safety issues, connections to community destinations, local support, and economic development potential.

https://www.tn.gov/tdot/multimodal-transportation-resources/bicycle-and-pedestrian-program/multimodal-access-grant.html

1. USDOT. (2015). Multimodal Access to Public Transportation. https://www.transportation.gov/mission/health/Multimodal-Access-to-Public-Transportation