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Airports pitch sites as all-purpose transport hubs
July 20th, 2010
By Roger Yu
Read More: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2010-07-20-airporthubs20_CV_N.htm
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. "It's a great idea," says Jeff Mayhew, a frequent traveler and a human resources director in Memphis. "It's about time we catch up. Parking is so expensive these days, and if you're stuck using a remote lot, you're likely riding a bus a couple of miles anyway."
When Mayhew lived in Brussels, he says, he used to hop on an airport express train from a station across the street from his apartment. The train dropped him off at a station directly under the terminal. "It would cost about 6 euros ($7.75) round trip, vs. 20 euros ($26) a day if I parked my car there," he says. "No hassle with traffic. One elevator ride, and I was at security." Airports see practical reasons for turning themselves into public transportation centers. They can reduce pollution and traffic congestion around terminals. They also see dollar signs in building hubs. Some airport officials think they'll attract greater air service and open up another stream of non-aviation revenue from possible commercial development nearby.
The InterLink hub in Providence is scheduled to open in September and will consolidate the connection points of planes, trains, buses and rental cars.
Portland is one of 16 major metropolitan cities in the U.S. to have a public rail system running from city center to the airport. Travel time on TriMet MAX light rail is just 38 minutes to downtown.
July 20th, 2010
By Roger Yu
Read More: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2010-07-20-airporthubs20_CV_N.htm
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. "It's a great idea," says Jeff Mayhew, a frequent traveler and a human resources director in Memphis. "It's about time we catch up. Parking is so expensive these days, and if you're stuck using a remote lot, you're likely riding a bus a couple of miles anyway."
When Mayhew lived in Brussels, he says, he used to hop on an airport express train from a station across the street from his apartment. The train dropped him off at a station directly under the terminal. "It would cost about 6 euros ($7.75) round trip, vs. 20 euros ($26) a day if I parked my car there," he says. "No hassle with traffic. One elevator ride, and I was at security." Airports see practical reasons for turning themselves into public transportation centers. They can reduce pollution and traffic congestion around terminals. They also see dollar signs in building hubs. Some airport officials think they'll attract greater air service and open up another stream of non-aviation revenue from possible commercial development nearby.
The InterLink hub in Providence is scheduled to open in September and will consolidate the connection points of planes, trains, buses and rental cars.
Portland is one of 16 major metropolitan cities in the U.S. to have a public rail system running from city center to the airport. Travel time on TriMet MAX light rail is just 38 minutes to downtown.
