TDM Toolbox

Mitigation Calculator

Subsector: Trip Reduction Programs
TDM Ordinance and Policy Development
VMT Reduction Potential: 3
Cost: 1
ROI: 4
StanCOG Relevancy: 3
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional
Timing: Mid-term (3-10 years)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies
References: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (2024), Caltrans VMT Mitigation Program, StanCOG Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, StanCOG Congestion Management Process

Description

Update TDM ordinances and policies to account for regional efforts, such as the Air District’s employer requirements, and incorporate TDM measures and accountability into the development review process.

Implementation Details

  • Develop a model regional TDM ordinance that StanCOG member jurisdictions can adapt for local adoption.
  • Establish thresholds for when TDM requirements should apply based on project size, land use, employment, residential units, or proximity to transit.
  • Include a menu of measures such as transit subsidies, rideshare programs, vanpooling, bicycle facilities, telework, parking management, and commuter information.
  • Develop standardized TDM monitoring and reporting requirements that can be applied across participating jurisdictions.
  • Provide technical assistance to smaller jurisdictions that may not have dedicated TDM staff.
  • Coordinate TDM requirements with CEQA/VMT analysis and existing local general plan and development review processes.

Mitigation Potential

A new ordinance or set of policies would only apply to future or upcoming developments, meaning the shift will be incremental as the region grows. Depending on how widespread implementation is, the TDM policies included may provide significant impact for individual developments (especially major developments such as corporate campuses) which will aggregate to a wider impact on a regional scale.

For more details, see CALTRANS VMT Mitigation Program, Transportation Demand Management (TDM), pg. 28-29 for VMT reduction quantification.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Policies should require developer-funded TDM programs in high-opportunity areas to reduce displacement risks. Include provisions for affordable housing tenants and equitable TDM access in density bonus programs.

Funding Sources

TDM policy development primarily requires staff time for ordinance development, stakeholder coordination, legal review, and implementation guidance. Potential funding sources include Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants and StanCOG planning resources. CMAQ funds may support eligible transportation demand management programs implemented after policies are established.

Examples/Case Studies

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District – eTRIP Program

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Rule 9410 requires applicable employers to prepare and implement an Employer Trip Reduction Implementation Plan, known as an eTRIP. Each participating employer selects commute-reduction measures intended to encourage employees to use ridesharing and alternative transportation for work trips. Eligible measures are assigned point values, and employer plans must achieve the targets established by the rule. The program provides a directly relevant San Joaquin Valley example of requiring larger employers to formalize and implement transportation demand management measures.

City of Modesto Bicycle Parking and Development Standards

Modesto’s zoning regulations require bicycle racks or other secure bicycle parking consistent with the California Green Building Code. This provides an example of incorporating transportation-supportive requirements directly into local development regulations.