Regional and County Government Actions

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TDM Encyclopedia

Victoria Transport Policy Institute

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About This Encyclopedia

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Updated August 27, 2007


This chapter identifies TDM policies and programs suitable for implementation by regional and county governments.

 

Description

Regional and county governments, including regional organizations such as port authorities and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), are responsible for planning, developing and operating transportation facilities and services between cities. Because they are responsible for transportation on major urban corridors and for addressing multiple problems such as congestion, accidents and air pollution, TDM solutions tend to be particularly appropriate for regional organizations.

 

Regional governments tend to be concerned with medium-distance (10-100 mile) travel on major urban corridors and so are responsible for planning and operating major urban highway and transit programs.

 

Regional governments provide the coordination required for effective TDM among various stakeholders, including various levels of government, jurisdictions within a region, industries, businesses, and special interest groups. For example, efforts to shift regional trips from automobile to ridesharing and public transit requires a combination of Transit Service Improvements, HOV Priority on major roadways, Walking and Cycling Improvements at destinations, and Commuter Financial Incentives.

 

Regional governments can support TDM implementation in the following ways:

 

 

 

 

 

  • Implement regional TDM Programs to provide ongoing coordination and support services.    

 

 

Best TDM Strategies

The following strategies are particularly suitable for implementation by regional governments and organizations. For more detailed information see the TDM Summary Table.

 

Asset Management

Policies and programs to preserve the value of assets such as roadways and parking facilities.

 

Bus Rapid Transit

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems provide high quality bus service on busy urban corridors.

 

Change Management

Ways to build support for institutional change.

 

Freight Transportation Management

Strategies for improving the efficiency of freight and commercial transport.

 

Funding Options

Describes various ways to fund transportation programs and evaluates the degree to which they support TDM objectives.

 

HOV Priority

Strategies that give transit and rideshare vehicles priority over other traffic.

 

Institutional Reforms

Creating organizations that support efficient transport.

 

Least-Cost Planning

Creating an unbiased framework for transport planning.

 

Light Rail Transit

Light Rail Transit systems provide convenient local transit service on busy urban corridors.

 

Location Efficient Development

Development that maximizes multi-modal accessibility.

 

Operations and Management

Programs that encourage more efficient use of existing roadway systems.

 

Park-and-Ride

Providing convenient parking at transit and rideshare stations.

 

Regulatory Reform

Policy changes to encourage competition, innovation, diversity and efficiency in transport services.

 

Ridesharing

Encouraging carpooling and vanpooling.

 

Road Pricing

Congestion pricing, value pricing, road tolls and HOT lanes.

 

Smart Growth

Land use practices to create more efficient and livable communities.

 

Smart Growth Reforms

Policy and planning reforms that encourage Smart Growth.

 

TDM Programs

Developing an institutional framework for implementing TDM.

 

Transit Improvements

Strategies for improving public transit services.

 

Transit Oriented Development

Using transit stations as a catalyst for creating livable communities.

 

Transportation Management Associations

Member-controlled organizations that provide transportation services in a particular area.

 

Transportation Model Improvements

Discusses ways to improve transport models.

 

 

Examples and Case Studies

 

Puget Sound Regional Council (www.psrc.org)

The Puget Sound Regional Council provides information on various financial incentives and regulations to support Smart Growth land use development, and examples of successful developments that reflect Smart Growth principles. The financial incentives and regulations they recommend include:

·       Modify zoning and development regulations.

·       Tailor regulatory mechanisms to the station area.

·       Simplify the Permit Review Process.

·       Tax Increment Financing.

·       Tax Incentive Zones for Transit.

·       Multi-Family Tax Abatement.

·       Location Efficient Mortgages.

 

 

Greater Vancouver Regional Strategic Plan (www.gvrd.bc.ca/growth/lrsp.htm)

The Livable Region Strategic Plan (LRSP) produced by the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) provides a regional growth strategy. It was adopted by the GVRD Board with formal support of all municipalities and recognized by the B.C. provincial government in 1996. The primary goal of the plan is to help maintain regional livability and protect the environment in the face of anticipated growth. It is used by all levels of government to guide and coordinate land use and transportation decisions. The LRSP is linked to local community plans through a Regional Context Statement. Other agencies, the private sector and residents also use the plan to understand and contribute to Greater Vancouver's vision for its future development.

 

 

Regional Transportation Planning

The Washington State Growth Management Act requires each Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) to develop a regional transportation plan based on a least cost planning methodology that identifies the most cost-effective transportation facilities, services and programs for their region. Regional Transportation Plans adopted after July 1, 1995 should incrementally incorporate least-cost planning methodologies as they are updated. All RTPs developed or updated and adopted after July 1, 2000 must be based upon a least-cost planning methodology.

 

 

Houston HOV Lanes (www.hou-metro.harris.tx.us/hov.htm)

Houston, Texas has 105 miles of HOV lanes. They move 96-228% more people per lane than general access lanes, and account for 5% of the travel by the workforce. HOV lanes can be used by buses, carpools, vanpools and motorcycles. On weekday mornings, HOV lane traffic moves toward Downtown (inbound). On weekday afternoons and evenings, HOV lane traffic moves away from Downtown (outbound). On the Katy HOV lane, minimum occupancy increases to three persons from 6:45 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays; a minimum of three passengers per vehicle also is required on the Northwest HOV lane from 6:45 to 8 a.m. At other times, the minimum occupancy requirement is two. QuickRide, a pilot program started in January 1998, allows carpools with two people per vehicle to use the Katy HOV during weekday peak periods for a fee. QuickRide commuters are tracked and billed using a transponder attached to their windshields.

 

 

Transit Connectivity (MTC, 2006)

The San Francisco Regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission has developed a transit connectivity plan designed to improve service quality and ridership by improving the following features:

·       Information and wayfinding. This includes regional transit information (a single contact for all types of public transport services), improved maps in and around stations, and accurate real-time bus and train arrival information (including dynamic signs at stations, websites and telephone system).

·       Schedule coordination. Improved schedule coordination between different modes and lines, including timed-transfer and pulsed networks.

·       Fare integration. Integrated fares, so one type of pass, rate structure and transfer policy applies to all public transportation services throughout a region.

·       Last-mile improvements. This refers to the ease of access to transit stops and hubs, including shuttle services, bicycle and pedestrian access, and parking for automobiles and bicycles.

·       Hub (transit stop and station) amenities. These include reduction of walking distances (between train and bus platforms and other services), enhanced comfort, weather protection, restrooms, improved security, and improved cleanliness.

 

 

To help implement these improvements the regional transportation planning agency established a Transit Connectivity Working Group comprised of representatives from transit agencies, cities, counties, congestion management agencies, business associations, and other stakeholders which provides technical advice and support.

 

 

Auckland Transport Governance and Funding (www.arc.govt.nz)

In 2003 the New Zealand Government began establishing the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), which will have responsibility for all Auckland area transport, including rail, bus, ferry, pedestrian and cycle transport. ARTA will be responsible for:

·       Operational planning of integrated road and passenger transport infrastructure and services for the region, including consultation as appropriate with Transfund, Transit, TrackCo and territorial authorities, and travel demand management programs.

·       Funding of Auckland transport projects and services including contracting of passenger transport services.

·       Implementation of operational plans.

·       Funding all roads other than state highways, including c0-funding of all local roads in conjunction with territorial authorities.

 

This new authority will be accountable to the Auckland Regional Council (ARC). The ARC will continue to have statutory responsibility for the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy, Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy and the Auckland Regional Policy Statement.

 

The ARTA will receive government and local money to implement the plan and will contract with Auckland transport companies. It will be run by a board, the members of which will appointed by a panel representing the ARC and the seven Auckland city councils. The ARC will have a majority on this panel. Another body, tentatively called Auckland Regional Holdings, is proposed to govern other regional infrastructure, such as the assets of Infrastructure Auckland. The government will provide a number of new funding options to support regional transportation improvements, including additional fuel taxes, and possibly road tolls and parking levies.

 

 

References And Resources For More Information

 

ACCESS - Eurocities for a New Mobility Culture (www.access-eurocities.org)
a local authority network aiming to promote a new mobility culture throughout Europe, in order to combat congestion, improve air quality

Best Practices & Local Leadership Programme (www.bestpractices.org)
United Nations Human Settlements Programme(UN-HABITAT)

Booz-Allen & Hamilton (2001), Organizing for Regional Transportation Operations: An Executive Guide, Federation Highway Administration and Institute of Transportation Engineers (www.ite.org/library/ROOExecutiveGuide.pdf).

 

Bremen Initiative Best Practice Resources (www.bremen-initiative.de/links/best_practices.html)

 

CCAP (2005), Transportation Emissions Guidebook: Land Use, Transit & Travel Demand Management, Center for Clean Air Policy (www.ccap.org/trans.htm). This guidebook helps users assess the air pollution, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions benefits of a variety of transportation and land use policies. Includes policy overviews, success stories and links to key models and resources.

 

COST, Best Practice For Sustainable Urban Infrastructures, COST Program (www.cf.ac.uk/archi/research/cost8).

ELTIS Case Study Database (www.eltis.org/en/indexcse.htm)
European Local Transport Information Service.

EURONET/ICLEI Consortium (www3.iclei.org/egpis/citylist.htm)

 

European Database on Good Practice in Urban Management and Sustainability (http://europa.eu.int/comm/urban), is designed to help local authorities to work towards sustainability by disseminating good practice and policy, facilitating the exchange of experience, and raising awareness about how cities and towns can be managed in more sustainable ways.

 

European Local Transport Information Service (ELTIS) (www.eltis.org/en/search.htm) is an on-line guide to over 400 transportation measures, policies and practices in Europe.

Search its extensive database via keywords or “transport concepts.” Abstracts link to full documents and web links.

 

European Program for Mobility Management Examples (www.epommweb.org/examples/examples.html) describes various European transportation demand management programs.

 

FHWA (2000), Toolbox for Regional Policy Analysis; Distribution of Impacts Case Studies, Federal Highway Administration (www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/toolbox). 

 

FHWA (2006), Managing Travel Demand: Applying European Perspectives to U.S. Practice, National Cooperative Highway Research Program; Federal Highway Administration (www.fhwa.dot.gov); available at http://international.fhwa.dot.gov/traveldemand/index.htm.

 

ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) Case Studies, (www3.iclei.org/iclei/casestud.htm), Case Reference & Cities Database (www.iclei.org/iclei/icrsrch.htm), and European Good Practice Information Service “Local Sustainability” (http://cities21.com/coldfus/citylist.dbm). Extensive information on best practices by local governments and agencies, including many involving transportation and land use policies. Examples are from all over the globe and include replication aspects.

 

IPS, Model Cities: Urban Best Practices (www.ips.org.sg/publications/pub_mc99i.htm), Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore and The Institute of Policy Studies, 263 pages, ISBN 981-04-2446-9

MTE, Online Best Practices Database and Case Studies Database, Moving On the Economy (www.movingtheeconomy.ca) is an ever-expanding searchable inventory of sustainable transportation economic success stories.

 

NALGEP (2005), Clean Communities on the Move: A Partnership-Driven Approach to Clean Air and Smart Transportation, National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals (NALGEP), (www.nalgep.org).

 

NCS, Climate Protection Manual For Mayors, Natural Capital Solutions (www.natcapsolutions.org/ClimateProtectionManual.htm), provides case studies, best practices, cost/benefit analyses, legislation, technical descriptions and contacts to facilitate local energy conservation and emission reduction planning and program implementation.

OECD (2000), Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Best Practice Competition, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (www1.oecd.org/env/ccst/est/curract/vienna2000/EST-Best-Practices-Synthesis-Report-Part2.pdf). Includes 18 transportation best practices case studies.

 

OUM (2001), TDM Success Stories, Office of Urban Mobility, Washington State Department of Transportation (www.wsdot.wa.gov/mobility/TDM/TDMsuccess.html).

SMILE - Sustainable Urban Transport Policies and Initiatives (www.smile-europe.org/frame22.html). 170 successful and replicable European practices for sustainable mobility.

National Association of Regional Councils (www.narc.org) is a professional organization that support community planning. It provides a variety of resources related to regional transportation planning.

 

Strategic Policy Options for Sustainable Development Database (www.iges.or.jp/cgi-bin/rispo/index_spo.cgi), Research on Innovative and Strategic Policy Options (RISPO) by the Institute for Global Environmental Studies provides information, recommended best practices and case studies on a wide range of sustainable policies and strategies.

 

Stockholm Partnerships for Sustainable Cities (www.partnerships.stockholm.se/new_tavlande_index.html) is a competition among public and private sectors seeking innovative and inspiring urban sustainability projects from all over the world. 

 

TELLUS - Bringing CIVITAS Onto the Road (www.tellus-cities.net), European Union. Describes projects to demonstrate that integrated urban transport policies can help reduce urban traffic problems.

 

Transport Research Knowledge Centre (http://ec.europa.eu/transport/extra/web/index.cfm) provides information on European transport research programmes that support sustainable mobility.

 

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Database (www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/UTSP/tdm.htm) by Transport Canada, contains profiles and results for transportation management projects that foster energy efficiency, sustainable development, accessibility and increased productivity by influencing urban travel behaviours.

 

UITP, Mobility in Cities Database (www.uitp.com/Project/index29.htm)

 

USCM, Best Practices Database (www.usmayors.org/uscm/best_practices) U.S. Conference of Mayors.

 

USEPA (2001), Directory of Air Quality Economic Incentive Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (http://yosemite.epa.gov/aa/programs.nsf).

 

USEPA (2002), Transportation Control Measures Program Information Directory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (http://yosemite.epa.gov/aa/tcmsitei.nsf). This is an on-line searchable database with approximately 120 case studies of programs that reduce transportation pollution emissions.

 

USEPA (2002), Smart Moves: Transportation and Smart Growth Best Practices (www.epa.gov/livability/smart_moves.htm) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This competition profiles state and local efforts to promote smart growth principles in transportation projects.

 

USEPA, Gateway to International Best Practices and Innovations, EPA National Center for Environmental Innovation (www.epa.gov/innovation/international/transportation.htm).

David Van Hattum (2003), Expanding Commuter Options in the Twin Cities: Practical and Cost-Effective Steps To Reduce Congestion By Optimizing Travel Demand Management (TDM) Strategies, Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (www.moea.state.mn.us), Downtown Minneapolis TMO (www.mplstmo.org/TDMguidebook.htm) and 494 Commuter Services (www.494corridor.org).

 

WBCSD, Sustainable Mobility Project, World Business Council on Sustainable Development (www.wbcsdmobility.org/mobility_web/index.asp) includes 200 mobility case studies with brief descriptions and internet links.

 

WCEL (2004), Smart Bylaws Guide, West Coast Environmental Law Foundation (www.wcel.org/issues/urban/sbg). This comprehensive guide describes smart growth practices, provides technical standards and model bylaws that can be tailored to specific municipal circumstances, and includes numerous case studies.

 

WHO, Healthy City Network (www.who.dk/healthy-cities/CitiesAndNetworks/20010919_1)

WHO (2004), Case Studies On Sustainable Development, World Health Organization (www.who.dk/eprise/main/WHO/Progs/HCP/Documentation/20010917_2)


This Encyclopedia is produced by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute to help improve understanding of Transportation Demand Management. It is an ongoing project. Please send us your comments and suggestions for improvement.

 

 

Victoria Transport Policy Institute

www.vtpi.org       info@vtpi.org

1250 Rudlin Street, Victoria, BC,  V8V 3R7,  CANADA

Phone & Fax 250-360-1560

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