TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT QUICK GUIDE

This Quick Guide is intended to help organizations:

• Understand the definition of Transportation Demand Management ( TDM )

• Determine if and why organizations should be interested in managing travel demand

• Understand the benefits to reducing travel demand

• Explain why changing travel behavior is so challenging and understand the major factors affecting their ability to change behavior

• Introduce a broad range of TDM strategies to develop or enhance their TDM program

• Lay the framework for developing a TDM program

• Provide resources for more detailed research and explanation of TDM-related measures and their outcomes

WHAT IS TDM?

Transportation Demand Management ( TDM ), sometimes referred to as Travel Demand Management, is a transportation industry standard term referring to a body of actions that seek to “ manage the demand for travel by drive-alone private car, rather than catering for that demand, or managing the road system.” In simple terms, TDM provides people with a variety of mobility options ( other than driving alone ) to reduce vehicle miles traveled ( VMT ) and gain environmental, conservation, and sustainability benefits — generally without large infrastructure investments. Measures are directed at increasing vehicle occupancy, shifting travel mode or time of travel, or reducing the need for travel. Much of the time, the focus is to reduce vehicular demand during peak morning and afternoon commute periods, but TDM measures have benefits that extend to off-peak and special event travel times as well.

TDM actions or measures come in many shapes and forms but are primarily categorized as follows.

Employer or Institutional Support Actions Alternative Work Arrangements

Financial Incentives or Disincentives Local and Regional Infrastructure and Policy

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TDM MEASURES

Advances in mobile application technology are occurring rapidly. These technologies have improved information distribution and access to alternative forms of transportation through algorithms that match riders, communicate real-time location of transportation modes, and provide comprehensive travel information. TDM technology is evolving and will continue to enhance and integrate TDM measures into the way we move. Additionally, with the advent of “ Mobility as a Service,” concepts incorporating commute reduction, mobility data aggregation, private transit, taxi-like services ( Uber / Lyft ), ridesharing, car sharing, bike sharing, and personal rapid transit are also advancing.

TDM methods have traditionally emphasized program information, encouragement, and incentives provided by local or regional organizations and have extended to the private sector; however, as congestion increases throughout the U. S., a stronger focus on infrastructure is entering the conversation. This emphasis on infrastructure ( e. g. bike and pedestrian paths, transit enhancements, and even a stronger mix of land use types and densities ) often called TDM +, is gaining momentum as a critical element influencing travel behavior and providing people with realistic alternatives to driving alone.

Traditional TDM

METRO

Programs and Subsidies

TDM Measures

TDM +

Infrastructure Land Use

TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT QUICK GUIDE

WHO SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN MANAGING TRAVEL DEMAND?

TDM measures can be implemented and managed by many different types of organizations, from state, regional, and local agencies to universities and independent office buildings. In most places, the local Metropolitan Planning Organization ( MPO ) provides subsidies and support services for local communities through funding from the federal government. However, there are many other groups and organizations that play a role in managing travel demand and therefore have an inherent interest in managing our transportation infrastructure efficiently. Organizations choose to implement TDM measures for various reasons. If your organization deals with any of the following, you may be interested in exploring, developing, or expanding your TDM offerings.

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• Parking infrastructure costs ( capital and long-term maintenance )

• Carbon footprint minimization

• Limited parking supply and rising parking costs

• Future expansion needs with limited space

• Traffic congestion

While most organizations can participate in the TDM conversation, those with the greatest ability to coordinate TDM offerings and offer a well-defined program include: Governmental Agencies ( States, MPOs, Cities, and Counties )

Quasi-Public / Private Governmental Agencies Community Improvement Districts ( CIDs ) Business Improvement Districts ( BIDs ) Downtown Development Authorities ( DDAs ) Transportation Management Associations ( TMAs )

MEASURING EFFECTIVENESS

Several factors predetermine how much success an organization can experience with shifting the travel behaviors of its employees, students, or other constituents, including:

• Local and regional transit availability

• Presence of restricted parking

• Adjacent land uses on-site or within ¼ mile

◦ Shopping

◦ Restaurants

◦ Banks

◦ Childcare

A site with convenient transit, restricted parking, and a mix of land uses will likely have lower single-occupant-vehicle travel than one without. However, there are a multitude of strategies with various investment requirements that can be deployed to affect travel behaviors. The list of TDM strategies in the following section provides a range of options for creating a program customized for the site ’ s local context.

High-Quality Transit

Restricted Parking

Mix of Land Uses

TDM SUCCESS

Colleges and Universities

Healthcare Systems

Business Parks and Corporate Campuses

Special Districts or Areas with Concentrated Employment and Communications ( Sports Districts, Resort Areas, Airports, etc.)

BENEFITS OF REDUCING TRAVEL DEMAND

The benefits of reducing dependence on the automobile are extensive, not only to an organization but also for the larger community.

Transportation System Benefits

• Reduced traffic congestion resulting in time savings

• Enhanced overall access, convenience, and mobility equity

Social Benefits

• Improved quality of life in communities with transportation options ( walkable and bikeable )

• Allows for social interactions and community connectedness

• Reduced fragmentation and safety issues caused by wide, high-speed roads

• Enables aging population to retain independence in the community

Environmental Benefits

• Reduced dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions

• Reduced congestion and energy consumption

• Improved air and water quality ( reduced emissions and fluid leaks )

• Reduced heat dome effect ( reduced need for paved surfaces )

Health and Safety Benefits

• Improved health through active transportation ( biking and walking )

• Improved air quality

• Reduced stress levels

Economic and Financial Benefits

• Reduced car ownership, maintenance, and parking costs

• Reduced need for expensive regional vehicular infrastructure yielding lower return on investment than transit

• Reduced cost of healthcare ( over the long-term )

• Attracts individuals that value a multi-modal environment ( representing much of today ’ s work force )

TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT QUICK GUIDE

STRATEGIES, EFFECTIVENESS, AND RELATIVE COSTS

The following table provides actions aimed at impacting traveler behavior by reducing the number of single-occupant vehicle trips. The table also provides guidance on each strategy ’ s ability to influence behavior ( a factor known as the Employee Vehicle Trip Reduction ( VTR ) Impact ), as well as relative cost.

PROPENSITY RELATIVE

TDM STRATEGY DESCRIPTION

TO AFFECT COST TO BEHAVIOR IMPLEMENT

EMPLOYER / INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT ACTIONS Transportation Coordinator On-site professional provides personalized trip planning and commuter assistance. High Moderate

The TDM Quick Guide was a quick turn-around multipage brochure for an internal client. The goal was to create a leave behind with some “ pizazz ” to wow the external clients at a meeting.

Car Sharing Company-owned vehicles or car rentals available on-site to facilitate midday travel for individuals that do not drive to work / school. High Moderate

Rideshare Matching

Carpool Compatible commuters are connected to enable commute-related ridesharing. Employers / institutions are at an advantage to encourage Moderate Low Vanpool and match commuter carpools and vanpools since the work destination is a commonality.

Low Low Fairs / Promotions Periodic events held in public spaces to highlight TDM offerings. Low Low

Preferential Parking Designated to rideshare users ( carpool or vanpool ), particularly in areas where parking is limited. Low Low

Bicycle Storage, Lockers, Changing Facilities, and Showers

Conveniently located, covered, and secured facilities. Low Moderate Lobby Amenities Umbrellas, rain jackets, and other items available to facilitate midday walking trips during inclement weather. Low Low

September 2016

Alternative Mode Options Site design focuses on visibility and convenience of travel modes by showcasing options in easily accessible and high-volume areas. Low Moderate

Site Design

Visibility Passenger

Increasing in importance due to the popularity of app based on-demand ride share, such as Uber. Low Moderate

Loading Areas ALTERNATIVE WORK ARRANGEMENTS

Arrangement for employees to work at remote locations one or more days per week rather than commuting to the work site. Technology

Telecommuting plays an important role in telecommuting, since many employees will need to maintain a virtual connection with the worksite in order to High

Low access necessary information and / or people.

Employees are allowed to choose their clock-in / clock-out times. Core hours may be required to maintain a certain amount of the workday for scheduling face-to-face interactions, collaborations, and meetings without conflicting with flexible start and end times.

Flexible Work Hours Moderate Low

Good for large facilities where work schedules are regular, causing long arrival and departure lines. Individual groups may be assigned to Staggered Work Hours

Moderate Low fixed arrival / departure, typically over a one- to three-hour period. Employees are allowed to work fewer days per week or over a two-week period by increasing the number of hours worked per day.

Compressed Work Week Common schedules: 9 / 80 ( employees work 9 hours per day for a two-week period and get the 10 th day off )

Moderate Low

10 / 80 ( employees work 10 hours per day for one-week and get the 5 th day off )

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