As gas prices recently rose for a second time in three years, we were again reminded of how dependent we are on foreign oil to maintain our mobility and economic competitiveness. We must find a way to mitigate the impacts of pump prices on our economy and regain control of our mobility.

But how? One answer lies in multimodalism.

Multimodalism requires us to look at transportation as one, integrated system versus independent sectors. For the past 60 years, we have viewed transportation through our grandparents’ eyes, creating and funding each sector – highway, aviation, mass transit, rail – independently. These systems were the innovations of their time, but times have changed and we must take a new approach.

The girth of a nation
By 2050, the United States will be home to 100 million more people – equal to another California, Texas, New York and Florida. More people will mean a greater demand for transportation, but our highway system can’t be expected to handle it all.

According to a March 2011 USA Today article, in 2010 travel on urban interstates was on the rise once again, nearing 2007 levels, which were the highest ever recorded. "Barring an unforeseen economic shock or sustained gas prices, volumes on these roads could set a record this year," it said.

Based on current trends, highway capacity will grow only 9 percent by 2043, but traffic levels will swell by 135 percent to more than 7 trillion vehicle miles traveled annually.

Highways always will be vital avenues for travel and transport in the United States, however we can't continue to rely so heavily on a product of 20th century engineering and construction to assure economic growth, opportunity and competitiveness in the 21st century.

Freedom of choice is intrinsic to American society. With multimodalism, we extend that choice to transportation. Multimodalism shifts the burden off any one mode and spreads it among many modes. The same principle can be applied to any number of daily tasks. Take communication. Today, we have a range of tools at our disposal: cell phones, landlines, the U.S. Postal Service, e-mail, fax. Often, we choose the medium that is the most efficient, convenient and cost effective depending upon our needs. A true multimodal system works the same way.

Highways, aviation, public transit, rail, ports, bike lanes, sidewalks – they all should work in combination to help each perform optimally and allow the entire system to perform more efficiently. With more transportation choices, we can accommodate more people and more commerce to serve our growing population.

Welcome to Chicago, where multimodalism lives
Chicago's no-mode-left-behind approach is one of the best examples of multimodal transportation in the United States. In developing its systems, the Windy City has demonstrated it is open to multiple solutions, focusing on those that deliver goods and people to their destinations in the most efficient manner possible. Sometimes it's a road or highway. Sometimes it's a commuter rail or bus. Other times, it's a bike lane or sidewalk. One component feeds into another, diffusing demand and giving residents choice.

Trends indicate Chicago is one of eight, emerging mega regions that will house the majority of U.S. population by 2050:

1. Northeast region
2. Florida region (Miami, Orlando, Tampa)
3. Southeast region (Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte)
4. Texas region (Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio)
5. Denver-Salt Lake region
6. Los Angeles-San Francisco region
7. Portland-Seattle region
8. Chicago region
    

There are a few things required for these mega regions to succeed, including access to fresh water and transportation. Mega regions that develop a more sophisticated, multimodal transportation system will have a stronger economy because they will attract businesses. Businesses will attract people who, in turn, will attract housing, education and entertainment, and raise the quality of life.

Experts on population growth say Chicago's access to water and its ability to move people and goods with multiple transportation options ensures its long-term viability. For communities and small towns on the outer edges of such regions, connecting to these megas with alternative transportation is a brilliant self-preservation strategy.

All together, now
Creating a plan that integrates all modes of transportation begins with the next transportation authorization bill, which is being debated and developed in Congress. Now is the time to influence that legislation and create a long-term funding solution for a national multimodal transportation system.

Our current template is largely mode-specific. By designating a new funding category especially for multimodal projects of regional or national significance, Congress can begin to encourage it.

The flexibility of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act provided a perfect model. It gave states the freedom to spend their infrastructure dollars how they wished, which resulted in more strategic investments. Rep. John Mica, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, captured the concept of multimodalism best when he said we must not develop a better highway system, a better aviation system or a better rail system, but a better transportation system for America.

HNTB expert contact information:

Ken Graham, PE
CEO
HNTB Infrastructure
(414) 359-2300
E-mail: kgraham@hntb.com
 

Multimodalism can move US to greater economic strength