TDM Toolbox

Subsector: Trip Reduction Programs
Promote and Expand Voluntary TDM Programs
VMT Reduction Potential: 3
Cost: 2
ROI: 3
CVAG Relevancy: 2
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional
Timing: Mid-term (3-10 years)
Implementors-Private: Transportation Management Associations (TMAs)/Transportation Management Organizations (TMOs)
Implementors-Public: Regional Agencies, School Districts
References: Hennepin County VMT Reduction Study, IE Commuter Employer Toolkit

Description

Promote and expand voluntary TDM programs among employers and property managers by providing toolkits, templates, and outreach materials to increase participation in TDM programs.

Implementation Details

  • Conduct a regional inventory of voluntary or employer-based TDM measures at businesses, institutions, and property developments.
  • Create a shared online toolkit with implementation templates, policy guides, and multilingual outreach materials.
  • Coordinate an annual regional outreach campaign with transit operators and business improvement districts to increase TDM program adoption.

Mitigation Potential

Research shows that expanding marketing and promotion of existing TDM strategies can reduce VMT at participating sites up to 4%. This impact would be compounded if the promotion is coupled with expanded programs and targeting new audiences.

For more details, see the resources listed below for VMT reduction quantification:

CAPCOA, T-5. Implement Commute Trip Reduction Program (Voluntary), pg. 83-85

CAPCOA, pg. 89-91: T-7. Implement Commute Trip Reduction Marketing

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Provide technical assistance to employers and multifamily property managers in underserved communities. Translate outreach materials into multiple languages and use culturally responsive engagement strategies. Encourage partnerships with community-based organizations to reach workers with non-traditional schedules and locations

Funding Sources

Requires funding for staff resources to develop, manage and promote TDM programs. Costs may be shared by many municipalities or partners within the region. Federal and state funding sources, including CMAQ, may be available to offset the cost of some programs, but are unlikely to cover all needs

Examples/Case Studies

 IE Commuter Employer Toolkit

This toolkit supports voluntary employer-based TDM measures, including sample forms, surveys, and promotional materials to engage HR departments

LA Metro Employer Services

Metro’s Employer Services Program promotes voluntary TDM plans including carpool programs, vanpool coordination, and employee incentives