TDM Toolbox

Mitigation Calculator

Subsector: School Programs
Campus Transportation Management
VMT Reduction Potential: 3
Cost: 2
ROI: 3
StanCOG Relevancy: 5
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban
Trip Type: School, Commute
Scale: Site
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Private: Educational Institutions
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies
References: Victoria Transport Policy Institute TDM Encyclopedia, Association for Commuter Transportation Campus TDM Toolkit, California State University Transportation Demand Management Manual, Stanislaus State Transportation and Parking Forum, Stanislaus State Bicycle Master Plan, Modesto Junior College transportation resources, StanCOG 2026 RTP/SCS

Description

School campus programs addresses the unique commuting needs of students and integrate Traffic Demand Management (TDM) solutions into campus sustainability initiatives. The types of programs and improvements implemented on a commuter college campus include but are not limited to:

  • Building more affordable housing for students and professors near the schools.
  • Increasing active transportation infrastructure such as paths, protected facilities, bike share, scooter share, secure bicycle parking, and pedestrian amenities.
  • Manage parking supply with parking permit and pricing systems.
  • Marketing and educational events to promote use of non-single occupancy vehicle modes.
  • Coordination with a RCTC and other regional agencies for use of existing Mobility as a Service (MaaS) ride matching service particularly for faculty and staff.
  • Coordination with Sunline for on campus transit services, facilities and amenities as well as subsidized transit passes.

Implementation Details

  • Partner with Stanislaus State, Modesto Junior College, and other educational institutions to develop campus-specific TDM programs.
  • Coordinate with Stanislaus State on implementation of its Bicycle Master Plan, including bicycle-network connections, bicycle parking, wayfinding, education, and encouragement activities.
  • Integrate plans for affordable housing near the campus into Housing Elements.
  • Develop bicycle and pedestrian connections between campuses, surrounding neighborhoods, transit stops, and regional active transportation facilities.
  • Subsidize campus based service and fare for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Integrate travel surveys into major annual contact points such as beginning of year or semester registrations to measure the impact of TDM programs.

Mitigation Potential

Campus transportation management programs are efforts to reduce VMT that are tailored to colleges, universities, and other education facilities. Given the unique trip making characteristics of colleges and universities, campus specific programs can be more effective for educational institutions compared to broader community efforts. For example, messaging may incorporate branding and campus specific resources and incentives such as discounts on school services or tickets to campus hosted events. The level of effectiveness and VMT reduction will vary depending on the mix of strategies employed by the school. Quantification and effectiveness of these programs is often measured through the use of travel surveys conducted by the school.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Campus-based TDM supports equity by offering alternatives to car ownership for students, especially low income youth who may not have access to a personal vehicle. Programs that include free or subsidized SunLine passes and safe travel routes support access to education, particularly in communities where campuses are farther from residential centers. Partnering with schools can also support broader community buy in for sustainable travel.

Funding Sources

Funding varies depending on the specific transportation demand management measures implemented. Active transportation improvements may be eligible for California Active Transportation Program funding, while planning and TDM program development can potentially be supported through Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning grants and other state or federal transportation planning programs. Transit improvements may be supported through local transit agency resources and applicable federal transit funding. Campus-specific programs can also use university or college transportation, parking, sustainability, and student-services budgets. StanCOG can support regional coordination, planning, and integration of campus TDM programs with the broader regional transportation system.

Examples/Case Studies

Modesto Junior College – Modesto, California

Modesto Junior College provides a strong local example of campus transportation management through its partnership with StanRTA. MJC students can ride StanRTA buses free with a valid student ID, including travel between the East and West campuses. StanRTA also provides bike-n-bus service for students with bicycles. MJC additionally has the 2.2-mile Campus Connection bicycle path, which provides a safer bicycle connection between the two campuses.

California State University, Stanislaus – Turlock, California

California State University, Stanislaus has actively evaluated transportation demand management as part of campus transportation and parking planning. The university conducted a campus TDM survey addressing transportation, mobility, and parking for students, faculty, and staff. Subsequent transportation and parking planning evaluated TDM as an alternative to additional parking investment, including alternative transportation investments and promotion. This provides a direct Stanislaus County example of integrating TDM into campus transportation and parking planning.