Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies encourage the use of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles (vehicles only being used by the driver). These alternatives are a primary way to travel for some people, or can be a health and environmental benefit for others, such as riding a bike.
How Does TDM Work?
TDM is often referred to as “Mobility Management” because it emphasizes moving people and goods efficiently. By redistributing roadway demand, TDM helps reduce traffic congestion and ensures that trips are made using the most effective and sustainable modes of travel. It prioritizes high-value trips, and low-cost, efficient travel options, improving the overall use of the transportation network.
High-Value Trips are trips that are essential, like emergency services or freight deliveries, or highly beneficial, such as trips using public transit. TDM strategies prioritize these trips to enhance transportation system efficiency. This emphasizes better options for walking, cycling, ridesharing, and public transit, especially under congested conditions.
Low-value trips are non-essential trips such as shopping, leisure activities, or visiting friends.
Resources
Regional Programs
- Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
- Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
- CommutePA
(Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York Counties)
Resources for Choosing TDM
TDM focuses on making the most of existing infrastructure while encouraging smarter, more sustainable travel behaviors. By using some of the TDM Key Strategies – many which are supported by PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation and Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO) Programs – communities can reduce congestion, improve air quality, and create a more efficient and equitable transportation system for everyone.
Visit the links below to learn more about TDM strategies for you!
Get Started with TDM
If you are interested in learning more about TDM and how to implement key strategies in your community or organization, please contact your local Transportation Management Association (TMA).
TMAs may provide TDM resources at the local level, including:
Employer Services:
- ADA Information
- Technical Assistance Services
- Tax Benefit Information
- Parking Management Resources
- Employer Rewards Programs
Commuter Services:
- Rideshare and Carpooling Programs
- Emergency Ride Home
- Active Transportation – Bicycle Resources, Walking Promotion
- Commuter Rewards Programs
- Transit Information
- Congestion/Traffic Delay information
- Park-n-Ride
Pennsylvania Transportation Management Association (TMA)
There are various Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) in Pennsylvania operating out of the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions. TMAs promote and implement congestion reduction strategies, promote the use of multiple transportation modes, and work to meet air quality standards. Many of these associations have community-based transportation services.
Check out our car and van pooling section to see if your county offers ride matching or visit your area's TMA website for more information.
Pittsburgh Region
ACTA serves the business community along the Parkway West, from the western entrance of the Fort Pitt Tunnel through Beaver County.
OTMA serves the Oakland community in Pittsburgh, home to multiple universities, museums, medical centers, dining and retail, and recreation.
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership TMA includes 100 blocks of the Central Business District and the boundaries are within the Golden Triangle.
Philadelphia Region
DCTMA serves the entire Delaware County, PA area, including: Chester City, Media, Newtown Square, Springfield, and Radnor Township.
GVFTMA serves the Greater Valley Forge area of Montgomery and Chester Counties, PA, including: King of Prussia, Norristown, Tredyffrin and 31 adjacent municipalities.
The Partnership TMA serves eastern Montgomery County, PA, including: the greater North Penn area, Horsham, the Indian Valley, the Upper Perkiomen and Willow Grove.
TMA Bucks serves the entire Bucks County, PA area, including: Bensalem, Bristol, Doylestown, Levittown, Newtown, Quakertown and Warminster.
TMACC serves the Chester County, PA area, including: Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Great Valley, Kennett Square, Oxford and West Chester.
Other TMA Partners
CCD serves the Center City Philadelphia area, partnering with property owners and downtown stakeholders to help maintain a clean, safe, and thriving district, and analyzes data around mobility to support public transportation.
The Clean Air Council serves all of Philadelphia City/County, except University City, providing all TripSmart PA services and assistance with Share-A-Ride.
The SEPTA Key Partner Programs serve Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.
University City District serves the University City area and parts of West Philadelphia.