Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
The vehicular elements of our transportation networks, particularly in urban areas, often operate at a practical capacity. Providing more capacity in most cases is not feasible because rights-of-way are limited, or the cost to implement new infrastructure is prohibitive. When combined with a conscience for sustainability, this leads to the promotion of policies that incentivize the utilization of alternative modes, and practices that help reduce the number of automobile trips generated. A Transportation Demand Management plan, or TDM plan, is a means to move people via transit, walking, and biking. For those that must still drive, it encourages such things as carpooling and telecommuting.
TDM has become a component of just about every project as most jurisdictions require it, and developers and institutions find that it is expected in the market place. For example, residential tenants and students on college campuses alike are expecting adequate bicycle parking and amenities like bicycle repair stations as this mode choice is growing. TDM plans are also helping reduce parking ratios in new projects, which has a significant economic benefit. This can make a project viable where it might not have been due to the cost of providing parking.
Gorove Slade develops, implements and monitors TDM programs on behalf of private development clients, Federal agencies and college campuses. We are very familiar with the latest TDM practices, and have extensive experience working with clients to tailor TDM strategies that will be most successful for their specific population and transportation options afforded the site’s location. This includes developing the appropriate physical elements of the site plan, and developing a packet of management tools to be implemented by a TDM coordinator.
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