Description
TMAs/TMOs are typically non-profit, member-controlled organizations that are fundamentally public-private partnerships, bringing together businesses, local government, and sometimes residents and other organizations to manage transportation demand within a specific area. Providing an area-wide basis for TDM planning improves messaging, communications, and efficacy of TDM implementation in the broader community. A TMA can both assist employers and conduct community-based planning customizing mobility education and outreach for specific groups to promote non-driving options like transit, biking, and walking.
Implementation Details
- Develop customized travel education campaigns with employers, school districts, senior centers, and local nonprofits.
- Distribute multilingual travel planning toolkits that promote awareness of SunLine, CV Link, carpools, walking routes, and active modes.
- Use community engagement (tabling, intercept surveys, online feedback) to identify barriers and tailor programs to specific neighborhoods or events.
- Focus efforts where car ownership rates are lower.
- Implement Mobility as a Service (MaaS) systems and other technology to make trip planning more convenient.
Mitigation Potential
TDM programming provides residents and employees with tailored information, incentives, and support to encourage walking, biking, transit use, and carpooling.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-23. Provide Community-Based Travel Planning, pg. 176-178 and Victoria Transport Policy Institute – Transportation Management Associations for VMT reduction quantification.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Equity-focused travel planning should be tailored to the specific needs of each community, using multilingual materials, culturally relevant outreach, and partnerships with trusted local organizations. Strategies should prioritize low-income neighborhoods, rural communities, and historically underserved groups by offering personalized mobility support, including route planning, transit training, and bicycle education.
Funding Sources
Requires staff time from a regional organization to help coordinate the development and implementation of a TMA/TMO. One funding source is the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program – Sustainable Communities – Competitive and Technical (Caltrans).
Examples/Case Studies
Pasadena Transportation Management Association (TMA)
The Pasadena Transportation Management Association (TMA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides transportation information to employers in the City of Pasadena. It plays a crucial role in managing transportation needs, including the City’s Electric Vehicle infrastructure, traffic impact analyses, and parking studies for development projects.
Sacramento Transportation Management Association
The Sacramento Transportation Management Association (SacTMA) is an independent, non-profit association that has been helping members’ employees choose sustainable transportation since 1989. SacTMA serves employers, commuters, and residents within a defined area in Sacramento, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.