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    Key Strategies for Municipalities and Local Governments

    Person on bike in evening traffic

    Current Traffic Patterns and Data

    Traffic information allows municipalities and local governments to learn more about existing traffic flow, peak times, and congestion hotspots. Understanding these patterns is important for identifying areas in need of improvement and implementing effective TDM strategies. Regional data may be available from Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs), or TMAs. Contact your local agencies to find available data.

    Regions throughout Pennsylvania develop congestion management processes (CMPs). CMPs provide methods to evaluate and monitor traffic congestion within a region and help to identify and prioritize transportation strategies focused on congestion and travel reliability.

     

    Public Transit and Mobility Options

    Explore detailed information about available public transit services, including their efficiency, coverage, and accessibility. Promoting public transit as an alternative to cars and working to develop and expand transit service can help alleviate road congestion.

    Ridesharing, taxis, and transportation network companies (TNCs), like Uber and Lyft, can reduce some vehicles on the road and provide options for residents who do not have access to personal vehicles. When used strategically, often through partnerships with entities like airports or educational institutions, these options can help to reduce the need for fixed transit routes, especially outside of peak hours.

     

    Infrastructure Needs

    Discover the necessary infrastructure improvements or additions that can support TDM initiatives for alternative mobility.  This includes the development of bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and carpool lanes, all aimed at creating a more integrated transportation network.  This may also include revisiting available parking facilities and parking policies around large employment centers.  Some local governments have shifted to implementing parking maximums in place of parking minimums in their zoning codes.  The Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code can provide additional guidance about planning tools for TDM-related strategies.

     

    Behavioral Insights

    Access research on commuter behavior and preferences to adapt TDM strategies effectively. Understanding how and why people travel can help municipalities encourage changes in travel habits and promote sustainable choices. US Census data can be used to identify and map behavioral patterns like work commutes, employment, housing, and other demographics.

     

    Environmental Impact

    Examine studies of how various TDM strategies can reduce vehicle emissions and help reach sustainability goals. Implementing environmentally-friendly solutions is important for creating healthier urban environments.  

     

    Technological Solutions

    Learn about smart technology applications that enhance traffic management, such as traffic signal optimization and real-time travel information systems like 511PA, Waze, Google Maps, Bing Maps, or TrafficView. These technologies can improve traffic flow and provide commuters with timely information.

    In addition to traffic management technology, local governments around Pennsylvania are working to identify areas where high-speed, broadband internet access is needed and are developing plans to increase access. Access to high-speed internet is key for Pennsylvania residents to work from home and learn from home, which many employers and educational institutions at all levels have implemented. Health systems around the Commonwealth also offer online or virtual visits which provide options for some patients to get care without making a trip to a hospital or doctor’s office.

     

    Policy and Regulations

    Find guidance on regulatory frameworks and incentives that can support TDM initiatives. Strategies like congestion pricing and parking restrictions can encourage alternative transportation methods.

     

    Stakeholder Engagement

    Explore effective strategies for engaging the community, businesses, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of TDM. Collaborative efforts are essential for the success of any transportation project.

    Resources

    Access information on funding sources and partnerships that can support TDM projects. Understanding available financial resources is important for turning TDM plans into reality.

     

    Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code

    The Municipal Planning Code is the key planning guidance for municipalities in Pennsylvania. It specifies the essentials of development of comprehensive plans and land use ordinances, like zoning and subdivision. Guidance for TDM-related strategies are also included, such as Transportation Impact Fees, developer agreements, Traffic Impact Studies, Alternative Transportation Plans, and Corridor Plans.