Proposed Transportation and Visitor Center

The Washington, D.C. transportation-visitor center will provide a place for the orientation and direction of visitors to the Nation's Capital as well as a consolidation of terminals for intercity and local transportation systems. Studies were made of existing travel and relationships between modes so that models could be developed for forecasting future demands and interfaces. All forms of line haul transportation such as railroad, bus and air, as well as local modes such as bus, rail rapid transit, helicopter, taxi and auto were taken into account. Findings were applied to physical planning for an area surrounding Union Station, resulting in a proposed plan and program for the consolidation of transportation terminals, a visitor center and adjunct facilities. While the studies are applied to Washington, D.C., the methodology used is intended to be a prototype for use in many applications.