While NCDOT has increasingly emphasized the value of supporting a multimodal transportation system, notably merging bike/ped and transit efforts into one Integrated Mobility Division, the department currently lacks approaches for measuring the multimodal benefits as part of the project prioritization process. Within the existing prioritization system, guided by the Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) law, credit is not provided for the potential increase in benefits that result from multimodal projects. Consequently, there is no clear pathway in NCDOT's State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to capture the additional benefits of connecting and co-location modes compared to single mode projects, which provides little incentive to propose multimodal projects for funding in North Carolina.
This proposed research is designed to provide data-driven, evidence-based approaches for measuring the benefits of non-highways (pedestrian, bicycle, transit, rail, ferry, and aviation) multimodal projects that can be effectively implemented in the STIP. The research team will focus on exploring and quantifying benefits associated with co-locating these project types in North Carolina, with a focus on benefits associated with:
- Economic Competitiveness and Development,
- Mobility and Connectivity,
- Equity, and
- Community Health.
To develop benefit measures, the research team will leverage the latest state and national practices and data readily available to NCDOT to support implementation and to help ensure the sustainability of recommended approaches. Opportunities for additional research and data collection that can support the development of additional measures in the future will also be outlined.
The evidence and approaches developed through this study can be used to invest in projects that capitalize on the benefits of co-location while optimizing the allocation of limited funding and resources. This research project will provide NCDOT with evidence-based information, methods, and measures that can be applied to determine the benefits of co-locating certain types of modal projects. These products of this study can enhance the STIP by more effectively providing credit to multimodal projects for the additional benefits they may offer North Carolinians and the cost-saving benefits they may offer NCDOT.
Additionally, the methods and measures recommended through this study can lay the groundwork for additional enhancements to data collection, data analysis, and processes that may extend beyond the life of this study.
