- Transportation Demand Management regulation development
- Drafting grant proposals for state or federal funding of transportation programs
What is Transportation Demand Management?
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is an intentional program of information-plus-incentives, through which a community or organization helps its membership become aware and become confident users of all their transportation options, across all modes within the system. These modes include in-place infrastructure, ride-sharing, walking, biking, telework, etc. To be successful, this program of information-plus-incentives should effectively counterbalance the incentives to rely upon Single Occupancy Vehicles (SOVs) that preexist thanks to the subsidizing of parking and roads.
What are TDM Regulations?
TDM regulations include how an organization or community will enact, operate and enforce a new or modified transportation program, and how it will communicate the program’s benefits to its membership. TDM regulations are living documents that evolve over time as populations and conditions change, and are unique to each organization or community. They therefore require a thoughtful process to research and draft.
What are some of the common pitfalls encountered in the TDM development process?
A common pitfall we encounter is that of design by committee, i.e. when there are too many voices contributing to (and slowing down) the progress of a project. We recommend that your organization delineate a precise team with clearly defined decision-making channels. All relevant agencies or departments can be represented by a handful of main contacts.
Another pitfall we encounter is that of thinking that any problem can be fixed simply with more money. Money cannot fix a lot of things, and this is why our first phase always includes a feasibility analysis. Is it actually possible to find a solution under current conditions? We let our clients know upfront if their problem is truly fixable or not.
A third common pitfall is that of wanting to implement new technology simply because it is new, or on the basis of anecdotal evidence. You cannot solve a perceived problem by beginning with an assumed solution. We make a point of analyzing the roots of the problems that our clients hope to address, and then let that analysis guide us toward potential solutions—technological or otherwise.
And final common pitfall is that of unrealistic time expectations. Again, this is why we focus on the feasibility of a project before jumping into planning or implementation. We are always realistic with our clients about the realities of a project so that they can determine ahead of time whether they can devote the time and money required to make a genuine impact.