Multi-modal and highway systems plan.

Current major state-wide transportation planning issues are associated with the integration of separate modal agencies into multi-modal state Departments of Transportation (DOTs). Inherent in the creation of DOTs was an unspecified commitment for comprehensive multi-modal policy planning. As a consequence of this integration, a multi-modal transportation systems outlook emerged, and the transportation planning and management assumed a state-wide character. The degrees of freedom for carrying out this new task in different states depends on the prevailing style of the general state planning. Since the creation of state DOTs, there has been a trend of shifting toward the "management planning model." This model has been fully implemented in Florida. The state planning procedures in Florida require the DOT to prepare a functional transportation policy plan in strict conformance with the state policy plan. To do this, physical systems studies and planning and multi-modal policy planning are required. This dual planning process requires a common conceptual understanding about three major issues: (a) multi-modal policy role and its scope, (b) state-wide modal systems, and (c) the role of modal transportation in multi-modal system. In the process of developing perspectives about its state-wide planning tools, Florida DOT also conducted a survey of other state DOTs about their planning activities during the last two decades. The survey results indicated that transportation policy planning differs from state to state. The approaches to state-wide highway systems planning are also diverse, suggesting the presence of different understandings as to what such systems are to encompass. The survey also disclosed the presence of confusion about the multi-modal systems planning. On the one hand, the transportation planners firmly believed in the potential of a multi-modal transportation system. On the other hand, as staff members of state DOTs, the planners have done very little to justify such a belief. In conclusion, the survey indicates the need for concentrating research and analysis capabilities, as well as resources for defining the major elements of the new style of multi-modal transportation planning.