As people re-evaluate their transportation decisions, the argument to support transportation demand management might not be what policy makers expected.
The Mobility Lab team wants transportation demand management (TDM) professionals to potentially reexamine the organizational goals and definitions of their work.
A post by Paul Mackie of Mobility Lab asks the question: "Would a common definition of the term and practice of transportation demand management help the industry find other funding sources, do better lobbying for policies, and gain wider acceptance and popularity?"
Mackie builds on the arguments from a presentation by Kirk Hovenkotter, a program analyst at TransitCenter and Mobility Lab contributor. According to Hovenkotter's argument, as described by Mackie, one of the primary sources of federal funding for TDM programs leads practitioners astray by focusing on ideas that don't reflect the preferences of users.
More specifically: "With 59 percent of funding for regional TDM programs throughout the country coming from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program, Hovenkotter said TDM organizations are somewhat forced to tailor their work to goals that are not Americans’ top priorities." The targets of the CMAQ program are in its name: traffic congestion and air quality.
Among the findings presented by Hovenkotter: "The top motivations for people [on their urban mobility choices] weren’t traffic congestion or environmental impact, but access to affordable, reliable, efficient transportation options."
The state of Oregon is the first to move away from relying on the TDM term in describing the benefits of such systems. Its statewide plan refers to its "transportation options" rather than transportation demand management.
FULL STORY: Rebranding “TDM” Could Fix the Industry’s Communications Struggle
Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future
This Union of Concerned Scientists study examines why and how to improve resource-efficient travel options to achieve diverse goals. It estimates that more efficient transport could save up to $201 billion in energy and $128 billion in health costs.
Congestion Pricing Lives
New York Governor Hochul revived the dormant NYC congestion plan with a $9 toll, likely securing its implementation before the incoming Trump administration.
The Risks of Self-Fulfilling Travel Forecasts
Transportation agencies continue to apply predict-and-provide planning which simply extrapolates past trends to predict future needs. It’s time to apply decide-and-provide planning to better achieve community goals.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions