Over the next twenty years, Virginia will face great challenges in managing its transportation system. The population is expected to
grow 20-30% by 2025. Virginia has one of the best transportation systems in the world, however, we are also home to the third
most congested region in the nation (2003) – Northern Virginia. Hampton Roads and Richmond rank 46th and 57th
respectively. We can no longer build 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, fifteen 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 2025 – a
blueprint for the next twenty years.
Over the next twenty years, Virginia will face great challenges in managing its transportation system. The population is expected to
grow 20-30% by 2025. Virginia has one of the best transportation systems in the world, however, we are also home to the third
most congested region in the nation (2003) – Northern Virginia. Hampton Roads and Richmond rank 46th and 57th
respectively. We can no longer build our way out of congestion. Instead we must focus on how to best manage
what we already have and plan for the anticipated growth.