Transport Demand Management

Transport demand management (TDM), otherwise known as mobility management (especially in Europe), is an umbrella term that refers to a range of actions (e.g., policies, programs, and projects) that modify the demand for transport infrastructure and services in either space or time to improve the efficiency of the transport system. The term comes from the contradistinction with actions that respond to increases in the demand for transport by [Page 429]adding to transport infrastructure or capacity (i.e., supply management), such as extending highways, expanding airports, or increasing parking space.

The origins of TDM can be traced back to the 1970s, when the oil crises of 1973 and 1979 prompted various attempts in the United States to increase the fuel efficiency of transport and reduce oil dependence. TDM ...