Transportation Demand Management (TDM) combines marketing and incentive programs aimed at reducing the use of Single-Occupant Vehicles (SOVs). TDM also encourages the use of a range of transportation options, including public transit, bicycling, walking and ridesharing.

The goals of a City's TDM programs are to improve mobility and access, reduce congestion and air pollution, and increase safety. These programs reduce the level of drive-alone travel by promoting walking, bicycling, carpooling, vanpooling, public transportation, and other sustainable modes. The City works cooperatively with citizens, businesses, and institutions in Cambridge and the Boston area to implement TDM measures. To help achieve its goal, the City has implemented a Parking and Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) Ordinance that requires developers to submit a PTDM plan for development projects that meet certain criteria.

Common Transportation Demand Management Plan Elements

• Parking cash-out
• Charging daily market rate for SOV parking
• Transit and vanpool subsidies
• Pre-tax deduction of transit and vanpool fares
• Carpool and vanpool matching service
• Shower and locker facilities for bicyclists and walkers
• Secure and weatherproof bicycle parking
• Carpool and vanpool preferential and/or free parking
• On-site carsharing vehicle
• Employee shuttle
• Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program
• Commuter information center (bulletin board, web site, brochure table)
• Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC)
• Flexible or alternative work hours
• Telecommuting program