| In the coming decades, linking aviation and rail transportation systems together into a more efficient seamless intermodal system will not only be a convenience, but a necessity. Physical and electronic aspects of movement now should be considered one transportation system. This integrated approach requires a collective philosophy, rather than the segmented thinking of the past. The challenge of designing an intermodal station goes beyond the planning of transportation as an integrated whole, rather than as individual parts. In order to support many modes, intermodal transportation plans and facilities must start maximizing infrastructure. Airports need to become intermodal centers for rails, trucks, and even maritime activities. Furthermore they can not only be final destination points and exchange transfer points for people and goods, but also support primary office, commercial, industrial and recreational activities. Twenty-first century airports will undergo a major metamorphosis if they are to achieve their total physical, social and economical potential. Redesign of existing infrastructure for intermodal connectivity and planning new ones to make cities and world economies more efficient are just parts of the needed paradigm shift.; This study looks at design features that enhance intermodal connectivity of a terminal, such as air-rail service with through ticket and baggage check-in at any of the rail stations, and creating multi-use stations offering a rich variety of mixed uses such as conference centers, hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments to name a few. |
