Transportation Demand Management (TDM)

Contents

• Introduction
• General Guidebooks and Resources
• Articles
• Employer-Based Transportation Programs (including employer subsidized bus pass, guaranteed ride home programs, vanpool programs)
• Washington State's Commute Trip Reduction Program
• Work Schedule Changes (including flex-time, compressed work week, staggered work schedule)
• Telecommuting, MRSC Related Page
• Ridesharing, MRSC Related Page
• Carsharing, MRSC Related Page
• Traffic Information
• Traffic Management - Incidents, Special Events & Construction Projects
• Congestion Pricing
• Parking Demand and Pricing, MRSC Related Page
• Transportation Efficient Land Use, MRSC Related Page
• Alternative Modes of Transportation (Including bicycles, pedestrian travel, bus systems, rail and ferries) MRSC Related Page  

Introduction

Congested streets and roadways result when too many people want to drive on the same routes at the same time, particularly during peak commute hours or special events. The term "demand" refers to the amount of street/road use during a given time period. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs focus on changing or reducing travel demand, particularly at peak commute hours, instead of increasing roadway supply. Thus, TDM makes more efficient use of the current roadway system. With the right incentives (or disincentives) travelers may be influenced to use transportation systems in a way that contributes less to congestion. In fact, research around the country indicates that well-designed TDM programs can reduce vehicle trips by as much as 30 or 40 percent (as noted in the National Transportation Library article below). Travelers base their travel choices on a number of important motivators including the desire to save time and money, to reduce stress or to improve convenience. At least some of these motivations must be addressed to encourage a change in habits. Some of the most promising TDM programs emphasize coordination with local employers on measures such as car or vanpooling programs, bus pass subsidies, alternative work schedules, telecommuting options and parking management. Studies also indicate that congestion pricing is an especially effective approach, which should gain favor as congestion worsens and new variations on the concept are developed. The sections below describe and provide examples for various types of TDM strategies.

Transportation System Management (TSM) programs constitute a separate but closely related set of strategies, although sometimes included under TDM. Rather than address demand, TSM programs focus on making our transportation systems more efficient. They emphasize getting the most capacity out of roads and other transportation improvements, thus reducing the need for expensive new facilities. For instance, improved traffic signalization can effectively increase the capacity of streets, and bus turnout lanes or faster response to breakdowns or clearing of accidents can significantly reduce delays. A separate Transportation System Management web page will address these types of strategies.

General Guidebooks and Resources

• Transportation Demand Management webpage, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
• Regional TDM Action Strategy for Implementation in the Central Puget Sound Region ( 480 KB) - Framework for Puget Sound area focuses on 7 action strategies.
• Online TDM Encyclopedia - overview, strategies and reference materials, Victoria Transport Policy Institute, updated May 2009. 
• National TDM and Telework Clearinghouse, Center for Urban Transportation at the University of South Florida.
• TDM Handbooks and Manuals, National TDM and Telework Clearinghouse, Center for Urban Transportation at the University of South Florida.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency State and Local Resources: Policy and Guidance, and Mobility Management Strategies: Commuter Programs. 

Articles

• Overview of Travel Demand Management Measures, Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, January 1994.
• Mitigating Traffic Congestion: The Role of Demand-Side Strategies, Federal Highway Administration, 2004 - strategies for reducing the demands on transportation facilities.
• Cost-Effectiveness of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategies, Transportation Research Board, 1996.
• Calculate Your Commute, King County, WA.
• Cost of Congestion, Portland-Metro, Portland Metro, December 2, 2005.
• Winnipeg Case Studies: Transportation Demand Management, Resource Conservation Manitoba, April 2007.

  Employer-Based Transportation Programs in General

  Employer-based programs can be among the most effective of transportation demand management (TDM) programs, in part because the program can be tailored to the commute needs of employees at their specific place of work. Employers can provide opportunities for employees to escape a congested commute through options such as alternative work schedules or telecommuting. Employers are also in a position to influence employee commute choices with incentives (such as a subsidized bus pass) or even by removing/reducing subsidies that encourage drive-alone commutes (such as the provision of unlimited free parking). Research indicates that financial incentives and disincentives such as these are particularly effective commute trip reduction measures. Numerous studies conclude that parking charges, telecommuting, flexible work hour provisions including compressed work weeks, guaranteed ride home programs, and incentives for biking and walking all can be effective in reducing drive alone commuting. In addition, programs that encourage carpooling and vanpooling have proven successful in a number of localities, particularly if vans are provided.

  • Two Reports: Public Agency Guidance on Employer-Based TDM Programs and Employer Technical Memorandum: Characteristics of Effective TDM Programs, and Employer Technical Memorandum Characteristics of Effective TDM Programs, Transit Cooperative Research Program, Transportation Research Board, December 2002.
  • Commuter Choice Primer: An Employer's Guide to Implementing Effective Commuter Choice Programs, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Programs That Encourage Employees to Use Efficient Commute Options, Victoria Transport Policy Institute - describes a wide variety of employer-based programs and their costs and benefits, updated January 4, 2009.
  • A Guidance Manual for Implementing Effective Employer-based Travel Demand Management Programs, Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, 1993.
  • Trip Reduction Ordinances/Regulations, Center for Urban Transportation at the University of South Florida - Highlights several programs and includes links to 40 ordinances, including a number of Washington codes.
  • Best Work Places for Commuters and Business Savings Calculator.
  • Guaranteed Ride Home, Emergency Ride Home, University of Southern Florida web page.

  Washington State's Commute Trip Reduction Program

  Washington State's Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Program, in effect since 1991, is the first statewide employer-based transportation demand management program in the country. The goals of the program are to improve transportation system efficiency, improve air quality, and to conserve energy through employer-based programs that encourage employees to find alternatives to drive-alone commuting. The success of the program depends on collaboration between local governments, employers and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

  The CTR law applies to all employers that have 100 or more full time employees who work at a single worksite and begin work between 6 and 9 a.m. on two or more weekdays for at least 12 continuous months. Only employers in counties with 150,000 or more residents must participate - currently those counties are Clark, King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Whatcom and Yakima counties. The CTR requirements also apply to all state agencies and to local governments where at least one employer, meeting the above criteria, is located.

  All counties and all local jurisdictions within these counties having at least one such employer must adopt a CTR ordinance to implement CTR goals and requirements within each jurisdiction. The CTR ordinance specifies what actions these large employers should take to encourage employees to choose alternatives to drive-alone commuting. The WSDOT Employee Transportation Coordinator Manual explains what must be included in the employer-based programs and provides other basic information.

  The Legislature passed the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Efficiency Act (ESSB 6566) during the 2006 session based on recommendations from the CTR Task Force 2005 Report to the Washington State Legislature. Major changes include 1) establishing state CTR planning framework that will better integrate with local, regional and state land use planning and investment, 2) providing for local designation of "growth and transportation efficiency centers" that would receive priority in regional funding and for state competitive grants, and 3) streamlining the CTR Task Force into a smaller, more policy-oriented CTR Board.

  • Commute Trip Reduction Program - WSDOT website with brief overview of Washington State program.
  • Transportation Demand Management: 2007 CTR Board Interim Report.  
  • Commute Trip Reduction Program: Implementing the CTR Efficiency Act, November 2006 - Brief overview.
  • Commute Trip Reduction Program Local Government Model Ordinance.  
  • Employee Transportation Coordinator Manual, WSDOT - Provides some background about Washington's Commute Trip Reduction law and program benefits. Focuses on requirements for private and public employer CTR programs and the role of the employee transportation coordinator.
  • Commute Trip Reduction Results - It Works – Describes commute trip reduction options for the commuter.
  • WSDOT Statewide Policy and Support Contacts - Transportation Demand Management and Commute Trip Reduction Program contacts.
  • Seattle Commute Trip Reduction Program and Way to Go Seattle - Invitation to citizens to participate in commute trip reduction.
  • Commute Trip Reduction, Spokane County, WA.
  • Commute Trip Reduction Services, King County, WA.
  • Renton (WA) Municipal Code, Title X, Ch. 13 – Commute Trip Reduction.
  • Commute Trip Reduction, Camas, WA - Small city program within Portland, OR commute shed.

  Work Schedule Changes

  Flexible work schedules allow employees to commute to work at less congested times of the day and to make schedule adjustments to better fit their lifestyles. Flextime, compressed work week, staggered shifts, and job-sharing are types of alternative schedules discussed in materials in this section.

  • Compress Your Work Week or Use a Flex Schedule, WSDOT (concepts & terms, and case studies.
  • Alternative Work Schedules: Flextime, Compressed Work Week, Staggered Shifts, Victoria Transportation Policy Institute, updated August 18, 2008. 
  • Transportation Control Measures: Work Schedule Changes, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1998.
  • Handbook on Alternative Work Schedules, U.S. Office of Personnel Management - handbook developed for federal agencies.
  • Work Hours: Flexible Schedules, U.S. Department of Labor – Surveys and statistics. 
  • Workplace Flexibility, and Workplace Flexibility Options at a Glance, Emory University - Useful overview of flexible work hours, compressed work week, Shift flexibility, job sharing and telecommute schedule options; also very useful resource links.
  • Flexible Work Options Training Materials for Managers and Staff, University of Pennsylvania Human Resources, 1999.
  • Alternate (Flexible) Work Schedules, University of California, Riverside. 

  Telecommuting, MRSC Web Page

  Ridesharing, MRSC Web Page

  Carsharing, MRSC Web Page

  Traffic Information

  Timely information about current traffic conditions can alert commuters and divert some trips away from developing bottlenecks, where traffic accidents or other incidents are causing delays.

  • Statewide Traveler Information and Travel Alerts, Washington State Department of Transportation - Provides real-time information about traffic conditions allowing drivers to choose other routes or schedules.

  Traffic Management - Incidents, Special Events & Construction Projects

  Sports events, street fairs, political demonstrations, promotional events or other special events can temporarily overwhelm streets and other transportation facilities. Traffic incidents and road construction projects can create lengthy traffic delays. Advance planning, mitigation programs and effective public notice can ease congestion and allow motorists to choose alternate routes.

  • Traffic Incident Management, Public Roads, by David L. Helman, Federal Highway Administration, November/December 2004.
  • Traffic Incident Management, Emergency Transportation Operations, and Traffic Management for Planned Special Events, Federal Highway Administration - Includes tools for assessing incident response programs, quick clearance best practices, and model procedures guides.
  • Guidelines for Developing Traffic Incident Management Plans for Work Zones, Colorado Department of Transportation - includes brief survey of best practices, key program components and matrix of strategies, 2003.
  • Road Work Ahead: Is Construction Worth the Delay?, Surface Transportation Policy Project, 1999.
  • TravelSmart Special Events Planning Resource Kit, Tips from TravelSmart, an Australian government agency.
  • Managing Travel for Special Events Handbook: Final Report, Federal Highway Administration, September 2003.
  • Managing Travel for Special Events Handbook: Executive Summary, Federal Highway Administration, June 2007.
  • Special Event Transport Management Transportation Management During Sport and Cultural Events, Construction. Projects and Emergencies, TDM Encyclopedia, Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Updated July 22, 2008.
  • Special Event Traffic Management in Small Communities, Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2009 Paper #09-0797 – Available for purchase.  
     

  Congestion Pricing Policies

  Congestion pricing, also called value pricing, is a strategy where transportation system users are charged for their use of transportation facilities. Congestion pricing differs from the type of road and bridge tolls that have been used for years in this country to raise revenues to pay for new roads, bridges or other transportation facilities. Instead, congestion pricing is used to manage demand, and to reduce vehicle emissions and gas consumption related to idling engines. A widely discussed approach is to impose fees on drivers in congested areas that may vary depending on time of day, distance traveled, number of vehicle occupants, or location. Similar to the concept of "early bird" dining specials, "red-eye" or off-peak flights, or matinee movie shows, this strategy can encourage those travelers who have flexibility to shift trips to less congested times or routes. A second basic approach, which is gaining attention, is to offer motorists the opportunity to pay a premium for travel via a faster, less congested lane. Although viewed by some critics as catering to the well-heeled, U.S. pilot programs indicate that motorists of all income levels will take advantage of the fast lane, when pressed for time. Delays associated with traditional toll booths can obviously be counterproductive. However, prepayment approaches and new technology to monitor usage, can now be used to more efficiently assess fees.

  The Value Pricing Pilot (VPP) program, initially authorized in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) as the Congestion Pricing Pilot Program, was renewed with the passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This program encourages implementation and evaluation of value pricing pilot projects to manage congestion on highways through tolling and other pricing mechanisms. This is the only program that provides funding to support studies and implementation aspects of a tolling or pricing project.  

  • Tolling and Pricing Programs, and Value Pricing Pilot Program, Federal Highway Administration web pages – Provide information about the tolling and pricing programs and provisions available under Title 23 of the United States Code (23 U.S.C.), following enactment of Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
  • Congestion Pricing: A Primer: Overview, Federal Highway Administration, October 2008 - Introduces various aspects of congestion pricing to decision-makers and transportation professionals and presents underlying rationale.
  • Value Pricing Pilot Program: Lessons Learned Final Report, Federal Highway Administration, August 2008 – Provides a summary of FHA Congestion and Value Pricing Pilot Programs from 1991 through 2006, and reports on lessons learned.
  • Economics: Pricing, Demand, and Economic Efficiency - A Primer, Federal Highway Administration, November 2008 - This primer describes the underlying economic rationale for congestion pricing and how it can be used to promote economic efficiency. 
  • Value Pricing Pilot Program Publications and Other Resources, Federal Highway Administration. 
  • Value Pricing Home Page, University of Minnesota State and Local Policy Program Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs - Very useful and well-organized site with definitions, types of pricing explained, project descriptions marketing and outreach, and links.
  • Road Pricing: Congestion Pricing, Value Pricing, Toll Roads and HOT Lanes, Victoria Transportation Policy Institute - useful overview of types of congestion pricing, fee collection methods, benefits of various approaches, best practices and case studies, updated July 22, 2008.
  • Pricing Task Force , Puget Sound Regional Council - , and PSRC Pricing Task Force Meeting Summaries and Presentations.
  • Congestion Relief Analysis For the Central Puget Sound, Spokane & Vancouver Urban Areas, WSDOT, March 2006 – This study documents the results of computer modeling of a variety of automobile, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV),transit, transportation pricing, and travel demand management scenarios to obtain congestion relief. Congestion pricing holds particular promise.
  • Destination 2030 - Taking An Alternative Route, Washington State Transportation Center for King County, March 5, 2007 – Report describing and recommending a transportation improvement fee paid by roadway users that would vary according to congestion levels. Revenues would be used for system improvements which must benefit the users paying the fees.
  • Distance-Based Charges: A Practical Strategy for More Optimal Vehicle Pricing, Todd Litman, Victoria Transportation Policy Institute, 1999. 
  • Distance-Based Pricing: Mileage-Based Insurance, Registration and Taxes, Victoria Transportation Policy Institute, updated July 2008. 
  • Reducing Congestion: Congestion Pricing Has Promise for Improving Use of Transportation Infrastructure, U.S. Government Accounting Office, Testimony before the Joint Economic Committee, U.S. Congress, 2003.
  • Using Pricing to Reduce Traffic Congestion, A CBO (Congressional Buget Office) Study, March 2009 - Good overview, information about types of congestion pricing, notation of benefits, and briefs on 3 case studies.
  • Task A-1: Motivations Behind Electronic Road Pricing. What is the Driving Force Behind the Worldwide Rise in Tolling? A Review of Innovative Road Pricing from Across the Globe, Rebecca Kalauskas, Brian D. Taylor, Hiroyuki Iseki, Institute of Transportation Studies University of California, Berkeley, February 2009 – Provides typology of congestion pricing approaches, and review case studies of congestion pricing programs, focusing on what motivated policymakers to adopt the programs. 
  • Task A-2: Implementation and Management of Electronic Roadway Tolling: Lessons from Successful Cases, Rebecca Kalauskas, Brian D. Taylor, Hiroyuki Iseki, Institute of Transportation Studies University of California, Berkeley, January 2009.
  • Connecticut Electronic Tolling and Congestion Pricing Study: Volume 1 – Summary of Findings – Overview description and review of tolling and congestion pricing options for various applications, Volume 2 – Background Report, and Volume 3 – Technical Appendices, Connecticut Transportation Strategy Board and Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, February 2009.

  Parking Demand and Pricing, MRSC Web Page

  Transportation Efficient Land Use, MRSC Web Page

  Alternative Modes of Transportation (Including bicycles, pedestrian travel, bus systems, rail and ferries) MRSC Web Page

   

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