TDM Toolbox

Subsector: Trip Reduction Programs
Air District Coordination
VMT Reduction Potential: 1
Cost: 1
ROI: 2
CVAG Relevancy: 4
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: Residential, Commute
Scale: Regional
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies
References: San Diego Association of Governments VMT Reduction Toolkit (2023), AQMD Rule 2202 Implementation Guide, SCAG RTP/SCS Employer TDM Strategy Toolkit

Description

Collaborate with the Air District to access information collected from employer commute surveys and implement targeted Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies based on data received.

Implementation Details

  • Coordinate with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to obtain Rule 2202 Employee Commute Reduction Program data from worksites in the Coachella Valley with over 250 employees.
  • Analyze mode share data by industry and jurisdiction to identify target sectors for outreach and implementation of strategies.
  • Share aggregate findings with local planners and employers to support VMT-reduction funding applications.
  • Integrate data into existing TDM monitoring efforts and performance metrics tracking.

Mitigation Potential

Collecting data to inform and implement strategies to reduce VMT commutes helps to reduce VMT more effectively even though this strategy does not reduce VMT in and of itself.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Ensure outreach includes industries that employ large numbers of low-wage workers, such as hospitality, healthcare, and logistics. Data disaggregation by geography and income level can help tailor VMT-reduction outreach to underserved communities. Equity-focused metrics should be embedded in monitoring to guide investments toward areas with high need and limited mobility options.

Funding Sources

Unlikely to require additional funding, but will require staff time.

Examples/Case Studies

UC-Riverside Annual Commute Survey with South Coast Air Quality Management District

UC Riverside conducts an annual commute survey in compliance with local air quality regulations. This survey is part of an employee commute reduction plan that is submitted to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). All UCR employees, including student employees, are required to report how they traveled to work during the specified week.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Commute Surveys

In the Bay Area, local governments use BAAQMD survey results to evaluate mode share and identify areas needing outreach or employer partnerships for trip reduction programs.