How do you tell if your transportation demand management works?

1 Define your goals and indicators

The first step to tell if your TDM works is to define your goals and indicators. What are you trying to achieve with your TDM strategies? Are you aiming to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, parking demand, or mode share? How will you measure these outcomes? You need to select indicators that are relevant, measurable, and achievable for your TDM goals. For example, if your goal is to reduce VMT, you might use indicators such as average trip length, vehicle occupancy, or transit ridership.

2 Collect and analyze data

The next step is to collect and analyze data on your indicators. You need to have a baseline data set that represents the pre-TDM situation, and a follow-up data set that reflects the post-TDM situation. You also need to account for external factors that might affect your indicators, such as population growth, economic conditions, or seasonal variations. You can use various methods and sources to collect data, such as surveys, sensors, GPS, or administrative records. You can also use tools and models to analyze data, such as spreadsheets, geographic information systems (GIS), or travel demand models.

3 Compare and report results

The final step is to compare and report your results. You need to compare your baseline and follow-up data sets to see if there are any significant changes in your indicators. You also need to compare your results with your targets and expectations to see if you have met your goals. You need to report your results in a clear and concise way, using charts, tables, maps, or infographics. You also need to explain the methods and assumptions behind your results, and highlight the strengths and limitations of your analysis.

4 Learn and improve

Telling if your TDM works is not a one-time exercise. It is an ongoing process of learning and improvement. You need to use your results to identify what works and what doesn't, and to adjust your TDM strategies accordingly. You also need to monitor and evaluate your TDM performance regularly, and update your goals and indicators as needed. You can also learn from other TDM practitioners and share your best practices and lessons learned.

5 Engage and communicate

Telling if your TDM works is not only a technical task. It is also a social and political one. You need to engage and communicate with your stakeholders and audiences, such as travelers, employers, policymakers, or the public. You need to understand their needs, preferences, and feedback, and to involve them in your TDM planning and evaluation. You also need to communicate your TDM benefits and impacts, and to demonstrate your accountability and transparency. You can use various channels and formats to engage and communicate, such as workshops, newsletters, websites, or social media.

6 Celebrate and reward

Telling if your TDM works is not only a challenge. It is also an opportunity. You need to celebrate and reward your TDM achievements and successes, and to recognize and appreciate your TDM partners and supporters. You need to showcase your TDM stories and examples, and to inspire and motivate others to join your TDM efforts. You can use various ways and events to celebrate and reward, such as awards, incentives, testimonials, or parties.

7 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?