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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