Challenges and Prospects of the Proposed Intermodal Transportation Hub at T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island

The State of Rhode Island, unlike other states in New England, has a unique opportunity to develop an intermodal transportation hub at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick due to close proximity of travel modes, namely air and rail. The current plan for the hub includes a train station, a consolidated car rental facility garage and an Automated People Mover connecting the proposed train station with the airport terminal. This study focuses on the proposed intermodal transportation hub at T.F. Green Airport. Specifically, the study has four objectives. First, it reviews and analyzes the current conditions and status of the proposed intermodal transportation hub. Second, drawing from the findings of the current conditions, the study presents a list of primary prospects and challenges facing the development of the intermodal transportation hub at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick. Third, the study examines six intermodal airports to learn the best practices in planning and development of the intermodal transportation facilities. These are: Miami Intermodal Center; Portland International Airport; Newark Liberty International Airport; Baltimore Washington International Airport; Frankfurt International Airport and Zurich International Airport. Lastly, using the lessons learned from the review of best practices, the study offers policy recommendations to address the key challenges facing the development of the proposed intermodal transportation hub at T.F. Green Airport. The study concludes that although the proposed intermodal transportation hub is a challenging and complex project, its successful development is within reach and the State of Rhode Island and the City of Warwick stand to benefit from it greatly. Benefits in the areas of economic development, improved environmental quality, and greater transportation alternatives clearly outweigh the possible drawbacks of the project. Three practical requirements for the success of the project are: Communication, effective collaboration and consensus among the various stakeholders of the project; creative financing to share the benefits and costs of the project among different stakeholders; and the management of the negative environmental externalities of the project. The proposed intermodal transportation hub at T.F. Green Airport has the potential to become a national model and a vibrant, urban, transit-oriented district in the City of Warwick functioning as a new gateway to the State of Rhode Island. This vision and its associated benefits should compel the State of Rhode Island and the City of Warwick to proceed with the development of the proposed intermodal transportation hub at T.F. Green Airport.