Transportation Challenges and Issues Facing Rural Texas

Transportation Challenges and Issues Facing Rural Texas PDF Author: Jolanda Prozzi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Rural transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 60

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Book Description
Over the past two decades, changes in transportation demand of agriculture and rural industry have interacted with the deregulation of the transportation sector. This has resulted in the abandonment both of the regulation of truck rates and competition, and of many rural rail links that were deemed inefficient. Agricultural industrialization and the move towards applying market principles to guide production decisions have had a profound impact on rural transportation infrastructure. Together with strategic rail decisions to terminate inefficient services, these changes have resulted in larger and heavier truck hauling agricultural products over longer distances on pavements and bridges that were not constructed to withstand these loads. Clearly there is a need to better understand the strategic challenges and issues as well as the critical role that transportation plays in promoting competitive agriculture and a vibrant rural economy. The objectives of this project were to (a) explore the rural agriculture/industry-transportation relationship, (b) provide information on major rural stakeholder, industry, and trucking views, (c) highlight the factors that result in greater demands on rural roads from the perspective of the Texas Department of Transportation, (d) present a methodology to prioritize rural transportation needs in transportation planning decisions, and (e) list a number of policy options to address rural transportation concerns.

Transportation Challenges and Issues Facing Rural Texas

Transportation Challenges and Issues Facing Rural Texas PDF Author: Jolanda Prozzi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Rural transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 60

Get Book Here

Book Description
Over the past two decades, changes in transportation demand of agriculture and rural industry have interacted with the deregulation of the transportation sector. This has resulted in the abandonment both of the regulation of truck rates and competition, and of many rural rail links that were deemed inefficient. Agricultural industrialization and the move towards applying market principles to guide production decisions have had a profound impact on rural transportation infrastructure. Together with strategic rail decisions to terminate inefficient services, these changes have resulted in larger and heavier truck hauling agricultural products over longer distances on pavements and bridges that were not constructed to withstand these loads. Clearly there is a need to better understand the strategic challenges and issues as well as the critical role that transportation plays in promoting competitive agriculture and a vibrant rural economy. The objectives of this project were to (a) explore the rural agriculture/industry-transportation relationship, (b) provide information on major rural stakeholder, industry, and trucking views, (c) highlight the factors that result in greater demands on rural roads from the perspective of the Texas Department of Transportation, (d) present a methodology to prioritize rural transportation needs in transportation planning decisions, and (e) list a number of policy options to address rural transportation concerns.

The Rural Transportation Network in Texas

The Rural Transportation Network in Texas PDF Author: Katherine F. Turnbull
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Rural transit
Languages : en
Pages : 64

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Book Description
An efficient multimodal transportation system is critical to the economic vitality of large metropolitan areas, smaller communities, and rural areas. While transportation issues in urban areas receive a good deal of attention, the needs of rural areas are also important. This report summarizes the results of a research project examining the rural transportation system in Texas. The demographic and economic characteristics of the state's rural population are highlighted. The report also presents a multimodal approach to enhance mobility and economic development in rural parts of Texas. Researchers examine the status of highways, roadways, public transit services, intercity buses, airports, and railroads serving rural portions of the state and discuss future needs.

Rural Transportation Planning Guidebook

Rural Transportation Planning Guidebook PDF Author: Ronald E. Goodwin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Rural transit
Languages : en
Pages : 52

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Book Description


Private Demand for Publicly Provided Goods

Private Demand for Publicly Provided Goods PDF Author: Laurence M. Crane
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 34

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Book Description


Demand for rural public transportation in Texas

Demand for rural public transportation in Texas PDF Author: Robert John McIntyre
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Rural transit
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Book Description


Historic Trends and Future Consequences of Projected Traffic Along Rural Interstate 35

Historic Trends and Future Consequences of Projected Traffic Along Rural Interstate 35 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Highway capacity
Languages : en
Pages : 90

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Book Description
Vehicular traffic moving through rural sections of Interstate 35 in Texas is growing at a dramatic rate. The primary objective of this report is to demonstrate the future loss of personal mobility by the highway user on rural sections of the Interstate. A second primary objective is to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive economic analysis of the problems associated with large traffic flows by using rural IH-35 as an example of a high-traffic corridor. Additionally, this report will provide a foundation for suggesting alternative solutions to the problem of traffic congestion on high-traffic corridors. By demonstrating the problems of growing traffic demand on rural high-traffic corridors in Texas, and by building on the findings of an earlier study, we suggest that a supercorridor--also known as a managed transportation system (MTS)--continues to be a feasible option for mitigating the growing traffic congestion problems on rural corridors.

Public Transportation Solutions for Regional Travel

Public Transportation Solutions for Regional Travel PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Rural transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 24

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Book Description
Texas growing population and expanding urban areas, as well as new legislation at the federal and state levels, are presenting new challenges and new opportunities for public transit services in the state. Many travel distances for commutes, medical care, education and social services, and other purposes are extending beyond traditional transit service areas. New transit funding programs require coordination among transit, human service, and workforce interests. This project, involving researchers from four Texas universities developed recommendations, methodologies, and guidelines for regional transit coordination in Texas. The research focused on three topics: transit coordination guidelines; analysis of Medical Transportation Program (MTP) service data; and analysis of travel demand along intercity corridors.

Urban Transportation in Texas

Urban Transportation in Texas PDF Author: Texas Urban Development Commission. Transportation Committee
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Urban transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 180

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Book Description


Rural Planning Organizations, Their Role in Transportation Planning and Project Development in Texas

Rural Planning Organizations, Their Role in Transportation Planning and Project Development in Texas PDF Author: John H. Overman
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Rural transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 145

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Book Description
While a formal planning and programming process is established for urbanized areas through Metropolitan Planning Organizations, no similar requirement has been established for rural areas. Currently, under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, states are required to consult with non-metropolitan local officials in transportation planning and programming. The consultation process between state Departments of Transportation (DOT) and non-metropolitan local officials is not prescribed in the planning rules, and consultation practices vary widely among each state's DOT. Historically, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has worked in cooperation with each individual rural county to plan and program projects. This has often resulted in a county-by-county project lists that the TxDOT districts must try to fashion into a regional strategy or plan. A need exists to examine the concept of rural planning organizations and research their use in Texas to determine if a formal rural planning organization may offer a means to improve transportation planning and programming. The objective of this research is to identify and examine rural planning organizations, their structure and operation, and their role in transportation planning and programming. The project will include a review of current processes used by TxDOT and other agencies to plan and program transportation projects in rural areas.

Enhancing Intermodal Service Through Public-private Partnerships in Texas

Enhancing Intermodal Service Through Public-private Partnerships in Texas PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Railroads
Languages : en
Pages : 148

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Book Description
The increasing levels of truck traffic on the State's highway system are creating an array of issues for the Texas Department of Transportation ranging from highway safety, congestion, and air quality, to the need for accelerated maintenance and capacity expansion. With trade in Texas projected to continue to increase, the pressure to explore alternatives to highway-borne freight is building. At the same time, railroads are facing challenges of their own. As a capital- and labor-intensive industry, railroads are struggling to earn the cost of capital to maintain and operate their extensive networks. As a mode that excels at long-haul intercity freight, but loses to trucking in shorter-haul movements, railroads are in need of services and capital to help gain back lost market share and compete in short-haul markets. The opportunity for establishing a win-win scenario is apparent: by improving the efficiency of intermodal rail service through targeted public-private partnerships, rail transportation may capture a larger market share of intercity freight in Texas and allow important public benefits to accrue - thereby justifying the investment. This report provides an important step in synchronizing public and private transportation planning and financing processes that mostly operate in isolation from one another to the growing disadvantage of each. A truly exciting finding is that both the public sector and the railroads are increasingly receptive to the idea of collaboration and are searching for mutually beneficial solutions to transportation problems.