How can you encourage mode shift and reduce car dependency?

1 What is mode shift and why is it important?

Mode shift is the change in the proportion of trips made by different modes of transportation over time. For example, if more people choose to bike instead of drive to work, that is a positive mode shift. Mode shift is important because it can help reduce the negative externalities of car dependency, such as congestion, emissions, noise, road safety, and parking demand. Mode shift can also improve the quality of life, health, and well-being of residents, workers, and visitors by providing more mobility options, accessibility, and social interaction.

2 What are the barriers and drivers of mode choice?

Mode choice is influenced by a variety of factors, such as personal preferences, habits, attitudes, values, income, age, gender, physical ability, trip purpose, distance, time, cost, convenience, comfort, safety, reliability, availability, and information. Some of these factors are barriers that discourage people from using alternative modes, while others are drivers that motivate them to do so. For example, a barrier could be the lack of safe and connected bike lanes, while a driver could be the availability of bike-sharing services. To encourage mode shift, you need to identify and address the barriers and drivers of mode choice for your target population and area.

3 What are the strategies and tools of TDM?

TDM is a set of policies, programs, and measures that aim to influence travel behavior and reduce the demand for single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips. TDM strategies and tools can be classified into four categories: infrastructure, incentives, disincentives, and information. Infrastructure strategies and tools provide the physical facilities and services that enable and support alternative modes, such as bike lanes, sidewalks, transit stations, bike racks, car-sharing stations, etc. Incentive strategies and tools reward or subsidize people who use alternative modes, such as free transit passes, parking cash-out, bike vouchers, etc. Disincentive strategies and tools penalize or charge people who use SOVs, such as congestion pricing, parking fees, fuel taxes, etc. Information strategies and tools educate and inform people about the benefits and options of alternative modes, such as travel surveys, marketing campaigns, personalized travel planning, etc.

4 How can you design and implement a TDM plan?

A TDM plan is a document that outlines the goals, objectives, strategies, tools, actions, responsibilities, budget, timeline, and evaluation of a TDM initiative. It can be developed and implemented at various levels such as cities, regions, neighborhoods, corridors, sites or workplaces. To design and implement a TDM plan effectively, you need to follow a systematic process which includes defining the scope, purpose and context of the plan; conducting a baseline analysis of the existing travel patterns; identifying the target population; establishing the goals and objectives; selecting and prioritizing strategies and tools; developing an action plan; implementing it; monitoring progress and performance; evaluating outcomes and impacts; and reporting results and recommendations.

5 How can you measure and evaluate mode shift?

Mode shift can be measured and evaluated using various methods and data sources, such as travel surveys, censuses, counts, sensors, GPS, smart cards, apps, etc. Mode shift can be expressed in different ways, such as mode share, mode split, mode shift rate, mode shift index, mode shift potential, etc. Mode shift can be compared and contrasted across different groups, areas, times, scenarios, and objectives. Mode shift can be assessed in terms of its contribution to the goals and indicators of the TDM plan, such as vehicle miles traveled, vehicle trips, congestion, emissions, costs, benefits, etc. Mode shift can also be analyzed in relation to the factors that influence mode choice, such as infrastructure, incentives, disincentives, information, etc.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?