4.0
STRATEGIES

STRATEGY #4
CREATE AN AMBITIOUS TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM) PROGRAM

Residents of the GTHA are making more and more trips every year and the average length of these trips is increasing. The number of daily car trips during the morning peak period increased 60 per cent from 1.3 million in 1986 to 2.1 million in 2006. The average distance of these morning peak period trips increased 21 per cent from 12.3 km in 1986 to 14.9 km in 2006. The increase in car trips and distance travelled is heightening the stress on our transportation system and leading to ever-worsening traffic congestion. The best way to reduce this stress on our system is to reduce the demand for travel. The most efficient and cost-effective trip to service is the trip that never happens in the first place. By changing whether, when, where and how we travel, we can make more efficient use of our transportation system.

FACT: EMPLOYER TDM PROGRAMS

Employer TDM programs can include:

• emergency ride-home programs, such as free taxi fares, for employees who miss their train or carpool because they had to work late;
• employee ride-matching services;
• flexible work hours; and
• promotion of telework opportunities.

PRIORITY ACTIONS:

4.1 Develop a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) policy and strategy for provincial ministries and agencies such as school boards, hospitals and universities that include actions, timelines and targets.

4.2 Establish guidelines and model policies to help municipalities develop and implement TDM policies in their Official Plans and Transportation Master Plans.

4.3 Encourage private sector employers to implement TDM programs.

4.4 Encourage employers who currently offer their employees free or subsidized parking a choice between the parking or a cash equivalent that can be used for other means of transportation.

4.5 Incorporate objectives and goals related to TDM as part of any revenue or financial tools that are recommended as part of the Metrolinx Investment Strategy.

SUPPORTING POLICIES:

4.6 Official Plans shall require a TDM strategy as part of planning applications for any major commercial, employment or institutional development.