TDM Toolbox

Mitigation Calculator

Subsector: Trip Reduction Programs
Micromobility/New Mobility Programs
VMT Reduction Potential: 3
Cost: 3
ROI: 3
StanCOG Relevancy: 4
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional, Community
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Private: Developers (Employment), Developers (Residential), Educational Institutions, Employers, Property Managers, Transportation Management Associations (TMAs)/Transportation Management Organizations (TMOs), Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies, Transit Agencies
References: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (2024), StanCOG 2026 RTP/SCS, Caltrans Active Transportation Program Guidelines, StanCOG Regional Active Transportation Plan, StanCOG Active Transportation Toolkit

Description

These programs promote the use of dockless e-scooters, e-bikes, and other shared mobility services to address first and last mile challenges. These services can complement transit, reduce short automobile trips, and improve access to employment centers, schools, and major destinations.

Implementation Details

  • Develop pilot micromobility programs in Modesto, Turlock, and other communities with sufficient density and short-trip demand.
  • Prioritize station placement in areas with high walk scores and underserved populations.
  • Coordinate micromobility hubs with planned active transportation and first/last-mile projects identified through StanCOG planning.
  • Establish micromobility parking zones and geofencing boundaries in commercial centers.
  • Leverage Clean Mobility Options (CMO) funding to subsidize micromobility rides for low-income communities.
  • Require helmet use, rider education, and liability waivers through vendor permitting for events.
  • Create employer-based micromobility fleets at hospitals, universities, and the mall to reduce Single Occupancy Vehicle trips.

Mitigation Potential

Dockless/Micromobility/New Mobility Programs offer alternative options for Single Occupancy Vehicles for the first/last mile challenges.

For more details, see the resources listed below for VMT reduction quantification:

 

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Expand service to underserved areas with limited transit access, and ensure equitable device distribution, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Provide non-smartphone options and cash payment systems. Reduce cost barriers by offering discounts for low-income riders and partnerships with public housing agencies. Address safety concerns with multilingual outreach, helmet giveaways, and rider education events.

Funding Sources

May require initial funding for program development, equipment, operations, and vendor contracting. Potential funding sources include the California Active Transportation Program, Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants, Clean Mobility Options, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding, Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding where eligible, and local transportation funds. StanCOG administers regional transportation funding programs and the Regional ATP provides funding opportunities for projects and plans serving the StanCOG region.

Examples/Case Studies

City of Sacramento – Shared Micromobility Program

The City of Sacramento permits shared micromobility operators to provide rental devices such as electric scooters. The city regulates program operations and uses anonymized bicycle and scooter data to support planning for parking and bikeway needs, monitor device deployment, and evaluate compliance with equity requirements. Sacramento’s program demonstrates how local agencies can manage shared micromobility through operator permitting, safety regulations, data monitoring, and designated parking practices.