Transportation Demand Management, traffic demand management or travel demand management (all TDM) is the application of strategies and policies to reduce travel demand (specifically that of single-occupancy private vehicles), and/or to redistribute this demand in space and/or in time.
Managing travel demand is the single most important element of any community transportation plan concerned with optimizing the use of its network, while ensuring the best possible environmental outcomes and levels of public health and safety.
There is a broad range of possible TDM measures that should be considered for Jackson Hole categorized as “sticks” (to dis-incentivize personal vehicle use) and “carrots” (to incentivize alternative modes of transport):
STICKS
- Congestion Charging/ Time, Distance and Place (TDP) Road Pricing, where road users are charged based on when, where and how much they drive – transportation experts predict TDP pricing will be an integral element of next generation TDM
- Road Space Rationing by restricting travel based on license plate number, at certain times and places
CARROTS
- Improving public transportation infrastructure, routes and stops
- Subsidizing transit costs for employees or residents
- Dedicated public transport lanes
- Pedestrian-oriented design elements, such as short pedestrian crossings, wide sidewalks and street trees Bicycle-friendly facilities and environments, including secure bike storage areas and showers
- Traveler information tools, including intelligent transportation system improvements, mobile and social applications, wayfinding tools, and other methods for promoting non-SOV modes
- Flex-time work schedules and travel plans with employers to reduce congestion at peak times
TDM is included in the 2012 Comprehensive Plan (Policy 7.1.b):
“Implement a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program:
A TDM program is a strategy that changes how, when and/or where people travel. As part of the communitywide integrated transportation plan, a TDM program should be implemented to increase transportation system efficiency by reducing system demand, particularly at peak commute hours, rather than increasing roadway supply. Successfully doing so will make efficient use of the current roadway system without needing to add capacity. The TDM program should provide incentives and disincentives to influence travelers to change their travel behavior in ways that reduce demand on the transportation system, thereby lessening the likelihood that the community’s roads will be widened. The community will develop a TDM program that emphasizes coordination and education on mode shift opportunities, such as rideshare programs, bus pass subsidies, alternative work schedules, telecommuting options and parking management.”