External link: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TS/2014/201442.pdf

Publication date: November 1, 2014

Capsule summary: This report summarizes strategies for rural and small urban transportation planners to incorporate multimodalism into their network.

Author(s): Becker, Carol

Publisher(s): Minnesota Department of Transportation

Definition: Planning practices for pedestrians, bikes and transit
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/bikeped/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Definition: Financial strategies and techniques for transportation planning
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/financial-strategies/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Cf
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Definitions: Passenger transportation services
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/transit/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Aet
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Definitions: The movement of people
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/mpo/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/dot/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Definition: A large urban area
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/city/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Definition: Report published by a governmental body or other organization (e.g. FHWA, NAS, etc.)
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/resource-type/report/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Description: The infrastructure and land use patterns in rural and small urban areas often prevent members of such communities from being able to access the benefits of multimodal transportation. This project identifies solutions for Minnesota practitioners, organized into six categories: improve transit options, pedestrian/bicycle improvements, multimodal land use planning, financial incentives for multimodal development, alternative vehicles, and other strategies. These strategies are highlighted to support multimodal development in rural and small urban areas.

Objectives: The objective of this research was to compile current practices in asset management for multimodalism in rural areas and small towns. These practices serve to inform and strengthen planning in areas where multimodalism is developing. This report provides guidance for Minnesota practitioners, covering activities within six broad categories. From these activities, the research team developed six case studies, one on each of the following topics: extensive sidewalk construction, intercity bus service, senior citizens reimbursement for car trips, “main street as a highway” guidance, transportation impact fees, and complete streets.

Findings: The report reveals that planners across the United States are seeking out unique strategies for promoting multimodal travel in their communities. Multimodal practices come in many forms, and receive investments and endorsements from various sources.

Recommendations: Current practices and activities in peer communities can serve as a useful example for developing programs. Incorporating the strategies in this report into transportation planning can help rural areas and small towns experience the benefits of multimodalism. Successful activities meet the needs and characteristics of the community, and are often developed with the inclusion of stakeholder input.

Research Theme: Financial Strategies, Planning for Pedestrians, Bikes, and Transit

Community Type: City, Medium City, Rural, Small City

Transportation Mode: Personal, Transit

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: City, DOT, MPO or RPO

Planning Subject: Analysis, Evaluation and Assessment, Facility or Land Use, Forecasting, Land Use Planning, Planning Methods, Transportation Planning