We can no longer pave our way out of congestion.

Over the next twenty years, Virginia will face great challenges in managing its transportation system. The population is expected to grow 20-30% by 2035. We can no longer pave our way out of congestion. Instead we must focus on how to best manage what we already have and plan for the anticipated growth.

That's where Transportation Demand Management (TDM) comes in. TDM programs help manage travel demand to make our systems more efficient. It’s core mission is to move more people in fewer vehicles, move travel time out of the peak period, or, in the case of teleworking, eliminate travel time altogether. TDM focuses on people-oriented transportation choices and shared ride transportation solutions.

TDM is accomplished through a unique partnership between DRPT, eighteen local commuter assistance programs, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, various Transportation Management Associations (TMA's) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Heavy emphasis is placed on business-to-business promotion to assist employers in starting or expanding employee transportation programs. DRPT also provides technical and financial support to local commuter assistance agencies through grant programs, research, training, and marketing assistance.

Through this partnership, DRPT also collaborates on the development, implementation and evaluation of Transportation Emission Reduction Measures (TERMS) to help improve our air quality. We also jointly market the state's HOV systems to promote use of shared rides.

Behavior oriented research forms a solid foundation for many TDM programs including HOV lanes, carpooling and vanpooling, telework and rail transit. We also work collaboratively with VDOT on needs analysis and the design and promotion of Park and Ride lots. Lastly, we play a leadership role in the Multi-Modal Planning initiative VTrans 2035 – a blueprint for the next twenty years.

See our Commuter Services Funding page for more information on the funding of Commuter Services.