What
We Promote: Intercity Bus and Local Transit Connections
Increased railroad service is just one piece of the solution towards
making travel more convenient and less costly. Intercity bus lines,
such as Greyhound, and local transit systems also have an important
role to play.
Integrated bus connections extend the benefits of the rail service
far beyond the rail line. Buses can also be used to supplement service
rail routes. Local transit connections make accessing the station
more convenient and affordable.
Making effective linkages between existing bus and rail routes
creates more opportunities to use either system, building volumes
on both and maximizing current investment.
Several Midwestern cities have led the way towards more integrated
services. Here are just a few:
Champaign, IL
Champaign recently opened its Illinois Terminal intermodal center.
Located just blocks from the downtown center, it contains all of
the features needed for a successful station. A large, secure parking
lot, good bike and pedestrian access, several local transit routes
stop behind the building, and both Greyhound and Burlington Trailways
serve the facility.
Lafayette, IN
As part of a major rail relocation project, Lafayette moved its
train station to a large plaza just two blocks from the courthouse.
Most downtown bus routes terminate at an adjacent transfer center.
Greyhound and Amtrak share a waiting room on the first floor. The
old waiting room now serves as a community meeting room, but could
easily serve rail functions as volumes grow.
Normal, IL
Normal is moving forward with plans for a new intermodal facility
to replace the existing Amtrak Station and will provide for transfer
between Bloomington-Normal buses, regional bus service, taxis, and
airport shuttles. The facility will include a 360-space parking
garage. Pedestrian connections to the central business district
will also be available. The structure will also provide retail and
office space and a food court.
Kalamazoo, MI
Kalamazoo is in the process of remodeling its intermodal center
to comply with current ADA requirements. An adjacent transit center
is part of the plan
Milwaukee, WI
In October, WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi signed a contract
to begin the $3.9 million renovation of the Milwaukee Amtrak station.
The public / private agreement with Milwaukee Intermodal Partners
will transform the station into a gateway to connecting walkers,
bikers, motorists and bus, air and rail passengers. The upper floor
of the station has already been converted to office space housing
WisDOT and consultant staff working on the nearby Marquette Interchange
reconstruction.
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