Transportation Demand Management
The Burlington City Council has declared that a climate emergency exists which threatens Burlington’s community and human health and safety, biodiversity, and common environment. Emissions in Vermont have risen since 1990, with the largest increases coming from the transportation sector, which also accounts for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in both the City and State. This climate emergency declaration calls for the reduction of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through transportation demand management (TDM). The City additionally recognizes that TDM programs improve equity for the Burlington workforce by providing financial and other benefits for Burlington residents and workers who do not own automobiles – a population that is disproportionately low-income, Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
Transportation Options Survey
To better craft the city’s new TDM program, City Planning staff have created the Transportation Options Survey. This survey will be used to collect feedback on current transportation and mobility needs of Burlington residents and commuters.
Click here to take the Transportation Options Survey
What is TDM?
TDM strategies take many forms. Here are just a few:
- Bike share / Bike library
- Free or discounted bus passes
- Car share
- Free shuttle
- Guaranteed ride home
- Shopping buggy library
- Stroller library
- Mobility wallet (money to spend on transportation needs)
- Infrastructure planning
Employers, developers, residential property managers and owners can also join a Transportation Management Association to help them mange their TDM programs.
How does TDM work?
TDM is implemented in a few different ways. Here are some of those ways:
- New development: when a new development is built, the developer might be required to provide TDM programs to users of the building. An example is providing discounted bus passes to residents.
- Employers: getting to and from work takes time and money. Employers may be required to offer a range of TDM programs and amenities to their employees.
- The City: Burlington might take it upon itself to provide TDM programs for residents and commuters.
- City staff: As one of the largest employers in the city, the City of Burlington will continue to implement TDM programs to help its staff move around in a less car-dependent way.
Image Source: Nelson\Nygaard
