2.5 - TDM programmes

Introduction

A TDM programme is a framework for implementing a package of TDM strategies. Such a programme should have stated goals, objectives, a budget, staff, and a clear relationship with stakeholders. Possible responsibilities associated with a TDM programme are:

• co-ordinating TDM planning, evaluation and data collection
• implementing marketing programmes
• responding to problems and complaints
• providing ride matching, shuttle services, special event transportation management, and other special services
• providing parking management and parking brokerage services, co-ordinates shared parking
• supporting pedestrian and cycle improvements
• monitoring effectiveness.

TDM programmes should use complementary and coordinated strategies for maximum effectiveness. A general rule is that TDM programmes should include a balance of improved travel choice and incentives to reduce private vehicle travel.

Travel behaviour change

Travel behaviour change (TBhC) is a generic classification of programmes that aim to encourage voluntary change in personal or private travel behaviour by providing consumer information and encouragement for people to utilise modes of travel other than private vehicle and to reduce the overall requirement for travel. Such programmes generally employ education, promotion, and/or marketing-based techniques. A TBhC programme may include improvements to services and infrastructure and in some cases financial incentives where these are provided to encourage alternative mode use on a voluntary basis.

The Land Transport NZ/EECA Travel behaviour change guidance handbook (2004) provides a classification of measures that are within the TBhC concept, measures that may be associated with a TBhC programme, and measures that are normally evaluated separately and independently. The handbook also provides advice on developing and implementing TBhC programmes, and evaluating, assessing and monitoring the programmes.

TBhC programmes may be targeted at the travel patterns and behaviour of the community at large, or at individuals within households, workplaces or schools.

Business travel management

Business travel management includes commute trip reduction - see below - but also incorporates measures aimed at travel during the course of work, including business and delivery travel, travel by clients, shoppers, tourists, and other visitors to the business site.

Commute trip reduction

Commute trip reduction (also called employee trip reduction or vehicle trip reduction) programmes give commuters resources and incentives to reduce their car trips. Commute trip reduction programmes include a wide range of specific activities, including marketing, promotion, financial incentives, improvements to alternative modes, and parking management.

Campus transport management

College, university and similar campuses are particularly appropriate for transport demand management, since they can provide central coordination and support. An increasing number of colleges offer free or discounted public transport passes to all students and staff, rideshare and van pooling programmes, cycle and pedestrian improvements, parking price increases, coordination for recreation activity transport, and other support services. Such programmes are often cheaper to the campus than providing increased parking capacity and dealing with local traffic congestion, and are valued by students.

School trip management

School trip management encourages parents, students and staff to reduce car trips and use alternative modes for travel to and from schools. This includes education and promotion efforts, improved walking and cycling facilities, organising 'walking school buses,' (a parent walks a group of students to and from school), 'bike trains' (the cycling equivalent of walking school buses), ridesharing, public transport improvements, parking management including 'park and stride' (no parking zones around schools that may not be entered by private vehicles dropping off children - vehicles park outside the zone and children walk), and other strategies that encourage reduced driving.

Freight transport management

Freight delivery can be managed to increase efficiency and address specific problems from freight vehicles. Heavy trucks can be prohibited in congested areas during peak periods.

Marketing

Marketing is important for many TDM strategies. Public attitudes can have a major effect on the use of alternative modes. TDM programmes are more effective if users receive positive recognition and encouragement. These are all components of marketing. TDM marketing includes:

• educating public officials and businesses about TDM strategies they can implement
• informing potential participants about TDM options they can use
• promoting benefits
• overcoming barriers to the use of alternative modes
• providing encouragement to participants.

Tourist transport management

Tourist transport management involves improving transport options and reducing car traffic in resort areas. Tourist travel has predictable patterns and needs, and occurs in unique environments that are particularly sensitive to degradation by excessive light vehicle traffic. Tourist transport management can preserve the environmental amenities that attract visitors to an area, whether it is an historic city centre or a pristine natural environment. Tourist transport management programmes can include a variety of specific strategies to improve transport options, integrate alternative transport into tourist activities, provide disincentives to driving, and promote alternative modes.