Implementing Multimodal Public-Private Partnerships: The State of the Practice in the U.S.

Multimodal public-private partnership (MP3) projects denote transportation investments that serve two or more modes and include substantial private sector involvement. Because non-auto modes often require an operational subsidy, MP3s can be rare; thus, implementation of such projects is of interest. This study reports on the results of interviews regarding U.S. agencies’ pursuit of 23 candidate MP3 projects. For example, when a decision is made to pursue a multimodal project as a P3, the reason is frequently to obtain private financing. Other reasons are construction speed, expertise in specific areas such as land development, and an enhanced ability to relate monies paid to the quality of transit provided. Further, when transportation modes are being added to a P3 project, revenue is a reason for only a minority of projects: other reasons included multiple modes being a part of the region’s long-term vision, public opinion, and the project being inherently multimodal (e.g., redevelopment of an area supporting rental car parking and commuter rail). In most decisions regarding MP3s, land impacts are considered to some degree, but the reasons vary: no expected impact, more intense development in a particular location, impacts near the facility but no exact location pinpointed, and increased real estate values. The conditions supporting an MP3 are diverse and include the implementation of a region’s long-term vision, public pressure, and a unique opportunity to bring together stakeholders to create a project that was otherwise infeasible or to solve a specific problem. Accordingly, as reported in this study, their diverse nature means that MP3s can be considered at multiple decision points in the project development process.