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Table 4: Modal Category Definitions

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Table 4: Modal Category Definitions

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Mode Definition Comments
Ferry transit Scheduled ferry service running between points within a city or the same metropolitan area.  
Ferry intercity Scheduled ferry service running between points that are not within the same metropolitan area, or are not located in any metropolitan area.  
Bus transit Bus service operated on a route within a city or single metropolitan area. Most often operated by a transit agency, a private company operating under contract to a transit agency or authority, or in some cases service is operated by a private company.
Bus intercity Scheduled bus service running on routes that are not completely within the same metropolitan area, or link locations not in any metropolitan area. In addition to over-the-road scheduled buses, this category includes scheduled airport bus services from cities outside of the metropolitan area served by the airport.
Bus code share A scheduled bus service that is sold as a connection by a carrier of another mode as a connection to that mode. While this is usually a route that would be classified as Bus Intercity, it is operated specifically as an intermodal feeder to another mode, and as such is highlighted with a separate category.
Bus supplemental A scheduled bus service operated along an intercity rail route to provide additional frequencies for travelers on the rail route. While the trip on a supplemental bus may not involve a connection to another mode, it is a service that is operated as an additional frequency in conjunction with another mode. As such it is highlighted with a separate category.
Rail intercity Scheduled rail service operated by either Amtrak or the Alaska Railroad, running on routes that are not confined to a single metropolitan area.  
Rail commuter Scheduled rail service operated by a commuter railroad, on the national rail network, usually within a single metropolitan area.  
Rail heavy A transit rail service such as a subway or elevated train that operates on a dedicated right of way within a city or metropolitan area.  
Rail light A transit rail service such as a light rail vehicle, streetcar or trolley car operating on a right of way that includes street running and may also include running on dedicated trackage.  
Air service Served by scheduled airline service that is open to public sale.