The greatest resource of a city is the imagination and participation of its people.
- Jaime Lerner, former Mayor of Curitiba, Brazil
Transport demand management (TDM) is a critical tool for addressing the challenges of congestion, sustainability, and livability in our cities and regions. As urban populations continue to grow and travel patterns evolve, it's more important than ever to implement strategies that optimise the use of our transport systems and shape travel behaviour in positive ways.
Tip of the Day
When developing a TDM program, start by identifying the specific challenges and opportunities in your local context. Engage key stakeholders, including transport providers, major employers, business districts, and community groups, to understand their needs and build support for demand management initiatives. Pilot projects can be a great way to test and refine your approach before scaling up.
The Power of Pricing in Transport Demand Management
Transport demand management is all about shaping travel behaviour to optimise the use of our transport systems.
One of the most powerful tools in the TDM toolbox is pricing.
By adjusting the cost of different transport options, we can incentivise shifts to more efficient and sustainable modes, reduce peak-period congestion, and generate revenue for transport improvements.
There are many different ways to use pricing as part of a comprehensive TDM strategy.
Congestion pricing schemes, like those in London, Stockholm, and Singapore, charge drivers a fee to enter busy urban centres, encouraging a shift to transit, walking, cycling, and off-peak travel.
Parking pricing is another key lever, with dynamic pricing and progressive rate structures used to manage demand and turnover.
Public transport fare policies can also influence ridership, with discounts for off-peak travel or free transfers being used to boost ridership.
Of course, pricing is a complex and often controversial topic.
Equity concerns must be carefully addressed to ensure that vulnerable groups are not disproportionately impacted.
Revenue allocation is also critical, with many arguing that funds should be reinvested in walking, cycling, and transit improvements.
Despite these challenges, pricing remains one of the most effective tools for managing transport demand and creating more efficient, sustainable systems.
Trivia
Q: What Brazilian city pioneered the use of bus rapid transit (BRT) as part of a comprehensive transport demand management strategy in the 1970s?
A: Curitiba, Brazil, under the leadership of architect and mayor Jaime Lerner, implemented the world's first BRT system as part of a broader strategy to shape urban growth and promote sustainable transport.
Featured Question
Q: What are some effective strategies for building public and political support for potentially controversial transport demand management measures like congestion pricing?
A: Building support for bold TDM measures often requires a multi-faceted approach:
Engage stakeholders early and often to understand concerns and build trust
Frame the conversation around shared goals like reducing congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing quality of life
Use data and case studies to demonstrate the proven benefits of TDM strategies in other cities
Consider a phased approach, starting with pilot projects in high-impact areas
Develop a robust communications and outreach plan to educate the public and address misconceptions
Ensure a portion of revenues are invested in visible transport improvements, particularly for transit, walking, and cycling
Provide alternatives and incentives to make the transition easier, such as transit discounts and first/last-mile solutions
Address equity head-on by providing discounts/exemptions for low-income groups and reinvesting in underserved communities
Political champions are also critical - recruit supportive leaders to help make the case and build coalitions.
Technology trends
Advances in mobile apps, GPS, and integrated payment systems are opening up new possibilities for using real-time data to manage transport demand.
Cities from San Francisco to Singapore are experimenting with demand-responsive parking pricing, while DC and Chicago use predictive analytics to proactively position bus and rail services.
Looking ahead, integrating TDM strategies with emerging modes like shared autonomous vehicles could be a game-changer.
Resources
Book: The High Cost of Free Parking by Donald Shoup - a classic on the hidden costs and opportunities in parking policy
Tool: Remix - a collaborative platform for transport planning, including TDM scenario analysis
Podcast: Talking Headways from The Overhead Wire - features in-depth interviews on topical transport issues
Online course: Leveraging Urban Mobility Disruptions to Create Better Cities - This course aims to bridge the knowledge gap between the dynamic on-the-ground reality brought on by technology innovation, academic content, and practice needed to respond systemically and more equitably to global urban challenges through new mobility disruptions.
Prompt: How can gamification techniques be used to incentivise sustainable transport choices as part of a TDM strategy?
Summary
Transport demand management (TDM) is a powerful but under-utilised tool for tackling urban mobility challenges. By combining proven strategies like congestion pricing, parking management, and sustainable mode promotion, cities can reduce traffic, improve system efficiency, and create more vibrant, livable communities. The latest technology advances open up exciting new possibilities for targeting interventions based on real-time data. While TDM can be politically challenging, cities that engage stakeholders, communicate proactively and reinvest revenues equitably are well-positioned for success.
Call to Action
Implementing effective transport demand management is challenging and context-specific - but the rewards are immense.
What TDM strategies have you seen work well in your community? What are the biggest obstacles to implementation, and how are you working to overcome them?