How can you use transportation demand management incentives to improve your commute?

1 What are transportation demand management incentives?

Transportation demand management incentives are any kind of reward or benefit that you receive for choosing a more efficient or sustainable mode of transportation, or for reducing your travel altogether. For example, you may get a discount on your transit fare, a free bike helmet, a cash bonus, or a gift card for participating in a TDM program. Incentives can be offered by your employer, your local government, your transportation provider, or other organizations that want to promote TDM. Incentives can be either monetary or non-monetary, and can vary in frequency and amount.

2 Why are transportation demand management incentives important?

Transportation demand management incentives are important because they can help you overcome some of the barriers or challenges that prevent you from changing your travel behavior. For example, you may be reluctant to switch from driving to taking the bus because of the perceived inconvenience, cost, or lack of information. However, if you receive an incentive that reduces your fare, provides you with real-time information, or rewards you for your trips, you may be more willing to try the bus and discover its benefits. Incentives can also help you form new habits and preferences, and make you more aware of the impacts of your travel choices.

3 How can you find transportation demand management incentives?

Transportation demand management incentives are available in many places and forms, but you may not always be aware of them or know how to access them. To find and use TDM incentives, you can check with your employer, your local government, your transportation provider, and other organizations. Your employer may offer subsidized transit passes, bike parking, carpool matching, telework options, or flexible work hours. Your local government may provide discounted or free transit tickets, bike share memberships, car share credits, or parking cash-out. Transportation providers may offer loyalty programs, referral bonuses, or special promotions. Other organizations may provide vouchers, coupons, or prizes for using alternative modes of transportation. Visit websites or contact customer service to learn more about TDM incentives in your area. Look for TDM-related events, campaigns, or contests in your community and ask your friends or colleagues if they know of any TDM incentives.

4 How can you use transportation demand management incentives effectively?

Transportation demand management incentives can help you improve your commute, but you need to use them wisely and strategically. Consider what motivates you and which mode of transportation best fits your lifestyle and goals. Incentives alone may not be enough to change your travel behavior, so you may need to combine them with other TDM strategies, such as information, education, or infrastructure. Additionally, incentives can help you track and measure your travel behavior and its outcomes. Monitor and evaluate your progress and impact to adjust your travel choices accordingly. With the right incentive and strategy, you can make your commute easier and more enjoyable.

5 How can you share transportation demand management incentives with others?

Transportation demand management incentives can help you and others improve your commutes. You can share TDM incentives by encouraging employers, local governments, transportation providers, or other organizations to offer more and better TDM incentives. Provide feedback, suggestions, or testimonials on how TDM incentives have helped you and how they can help others. You can also inform your friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors about the TDM incentives that are available and how they can access them through word-of-mouth, social media, email, or flyers. Inspire others by sharing your stories, experiences, or achievements with TDM incentives through blogs, podcasts, videos, or photos. Highlight the challenges, lessons, or tips that you have learned along the way to show the impact of TDM incentives.

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?