Commuting Solutions and its partners recently released the first Transportation Demand Management Plan, or TDM, for the region and has been named a finalist for the 2023 Association of Commuter Transportation Excellence in Planning Award.
The development of the TDM began in 2022 by Communiting Solutions — an organization advancing innovative transportation solutions — and its partners to create a shared vision for how the region might reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
“For the first time in our region, we have developed a shared set of TDM goals for our region’s future and roadmap to get us there” said Audrey DeBarros, executive director of Commuting Solutions.
The region included in the plan is labeled as the northwest metro region which is made up of Boulder, Boulder County, Louisville, Superior, Broomfield, Westminster, Lafayette, Erie and Longmont.
The plan is comprised of 11 strategies that focus on shifting people away from driving alone to other modes of transportation.
- Implementing TDM programs that include bus rapid transit (BRT) service.
- Exploring the feasibility of a regional bike share program.
- Developing and distributing a mobility guide.
- Conducting ongoing travel training for essential workers.
- Developing model TDM programs NW cities can easily incorporate.
- Developing and distributing an employer policy toolkit for businesses.
- Creating a northwest regional TDM coordinating council.
- Providing subsidies and marketing support for a vanpool pilot program.
- Providing incentives to encourage non-Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) travel or changing travel times during peak congestion.
- Providing marketing and support to schools not currently enrolled in the Way to Go “SchoolPool” carpooling program.
- Conducting transportation options outreach at multifamily and low-income housing.
The plan also focuses limited resources, services and programs on essential workers, according to a news release from Commuting Solutions.
“Colorado has a long history of commuter focused TDM programing, however traditional TDM efforts have not always been well suited to diverse audiences including rural residents, shift workers, and caregivers,” said Kay Kelly, CDOT chief, Office of Innovative Mobility. “This plan attempts to change that.”
The plan also recognizes local, regional, state and federal program that could serve as potential funding sources for each strategy.
