Transportation Demand Management, Shift Plan

Transportation demand management (TDM) programs reduce commute trips and can help participants use carpools, vanpools, transit, and biking, or allow for telecommuting.

Transportation demand management (TDM) programs are based on the premise that current travel options and culture favor driving alone. TDM refers to any coordinated strategies to change travel behaviors and increase the attractiveness of various travel options, and contribute to an environment suitable for lower rates of vehicular travel. TDM programs are most commonly applied through employers to address commute trips, and can boost employee recruitment and retention. TDM programs can also be applied to multifamily housing complexes, business parks, citywide, or countywide.

Employer-based TDM programs can include a suite of tools to promote carpools, vanpools, transit, and biking, or allow for telecommuting. TDM can include many elements such as subsidized or free transit passes, bulk transit pass purchase programs for employers, expanded preferential parking for shared commute vehicles, bicycle storage, pedestrian access improvements, and parking cash out programs.

Priority Actions (Transportation Demand Management)

Planning

1. Model effective commute programs within local governments by designing programs tailored to local travel options and employee needs.

The Mode Shift Needs Assessment provides information on Sonoma County barriers and
needs.

Policy

2. Develop and adopt local TDM ordinances to expand programs to more employers.

The Shift Model TDM Ordinance was crafted as a template for local jurisdictions to
consider.

3. Include considerations for employers and developers, infrastructure and programs.

Coordination

4. Coordinate county-wide policy actions via the SCTA/RCPA.
5. Coordinate with employers on the development and implementation of commute programs by engaging with employers, transit agencies, and share mobility programs.

Deployment

6. Lead by example with programs for municipal employees.
7. Pursue funding to support expansion of TDM programs.

Education and Awareness

8. Market TDM programs to employers and developers through business assistance programs, green business certifications, and commute fairs.
9. Assist employers with the development of commute programs and marketing alternative modes of transportation to employees.

Co-benefits

By making alternative commute options easy to use and by providing incentives, TDM programs can contribute to multiple benefits, including:

» Reducing single occupancy vehicle trips
» Improving access for people without personal vehicles
» Boosting employee recruitment and retention
» Reducing stress from commuting in traffic
» Reducing parking demand

Resources

Employer Commute Program Toolkit

Downloadable Word templates:

Model TDM Ordinance
511.org
Santa Rosa Free Ride Trip Reduction Program
GoSonoma.org

Disclaimer

The work upon which this publication is based was funded in whole or in part through a grant awarded by the California Strategic Growth Council.

The statements and conclusions of this report are those of the SCTA/RCPA and/or Subcontractor and not necessarily those of the California Strategic Growth Council or of the California Department of Conservation, or its employees. The California Strategic Growth Council and the California Department of Conservation make no warranties, express or implied, and assume no liability for the information contained in the succeeding text.