Study: Unbundle Parking for the Most Effective Transportation Demand Management

"Separating the cost to rent a parking space from the cost of renting an apartment or condo may be one of the most effective ways for real-estate developers and property managers to support a more sustainable transportation sector, according to Mobility Lab’s latest study on the robust transportation demand management programs in Arlington County, Virginia," according to an article by Paul Mackie.

Mobility Lab worked with Nelson\Nygaard, Weinberger & Associates, and Arlington County Commuter Services on the study, as "part of a long-term effort by the county to make the best use of existing infrastructure, focus growth in its walkable urban villages, and understand how new development affects how the transportation network is used."

According to Mackie's explanation of the study's findings, unbundling is one of the most effective transportation demand management tools available. "Where parking is bundled, meaning packaged in with the cost of renting, auto-ownership is higher and driving alone is 12.5 percent higher for commute trips and 40 percent higher for non-commute trips. Thus, the parking cost at work is strongly correlated with choosing to drive alone rather than taking most sustainable options, such as Metro, bus, walking, bicycling, carpooling, or teleworking," explains Mackie.

The source article includes more findings and more detail.