Is distance or the intention to travel the basis for shortening and combining prayers?

The concessions for travel are determined by the distance a traveler covers. If the distance is 83 kilometers or more, and the traveler has departed from the populated area of their village, then they are permitted to avail themselves of the travel concessions, such as shortening the four-rak'ah prayers and combining the shared prayers by time. A mere intention to travel does not permit these concessions.