The Functions of Transport TerminalsA transport terminal is composed of a set of intermodal infrastructures
taking advantage of a geographical location, conferring a higher level
of accessibility to local, regional and global markets. Depending on
the mode being considered, terminals are bound to various degrees to
the site. For instance, maritime transportation terminals are particularly
dependent on local conditions, especially for large port activities
which can be accommodated in a limited number of locations. Airport
terminals are more flexible in their locations, but still bound to specific
locational constrains. Terminals fulfill three general functions
within transport systems:
Connectivity. Transport terminals
provide connectivity within a transport network as they are
the only locations where a network can be entered or exited.
For instance, subway stations are the connecting elements of
a transit network.
Interface. Transport terminals provide
an interface between transport modes enabling passengers and
cargo to transit. A port or an airport are points of
interface between maritime or air and land transport
systems.
Buffer. Transport terminals provide a
buffer between the
different capacity and frequency of the transport modes they
connect, such as a port does for the maritime and land
transportation systems. A containership may call a port once every
two days while trucks carrying containers may come in and
out of the terminal every minute. A similar analogy applies
to airports that act as buffers between the various levels
of service of land transport systems and the scheduling of
air services.
