Debating the Merits of New Intermodal Hubs

Train-bus-bike connector stations have a long pedigree, and a reputation for anchoring neighborhood investment. But some criticize planned hubs for their perceived lavishness.

1 minute read

May 19, 2015, 1:00 PM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center

Jay Stewart / Flickr

Following the tested example of New York's Penn Station, cities like North Charleston, Amarillo, and Anaheim are phasing in new "intermodal hubs" that combine rail, bus, and bike access to facilitate trips consisting entirely of non-auto modes. Supporters like Todd Litman, executive director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, argue that by improving the quality of transit trips on existing lines, cities can increase transit patronage. 

Citing Anaheim's new ARTIC station, critics like UCI's Michael McNally call attention to costs ($188 million in ARTIC's case) and "the fact that ridership has not risen as dramatically as planners forecasted." Moreover, ARTIC includes luxury amenities like an oyster bar, which may be of questionable utility to transit patrons.

Litman disagrees, calling parking lots—especially those that are lit or covered, with courtesy signage—hubs for cars. "To encourage a true modal shift, he adds, 'we have to prioritize that level of convenience and comfort.'" Those who could afford to drive might then choose public options instead.

Note: Todd Litman is a longtime contributor and blogger for Planetizen. Check out his articles here. 

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 in Next City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today