TSM Measures for Major Activity Centers

Abstract

Transportation Systems Management (TSM) measures, originally conceived as a tool applicable on a region-wide scale, can be successfully applied at major activity centers to avoid, minimize or postpone the need for more capital-intensive transportation improvements. The results from two case studies (an urban university campus and a suburban industrial park/regional shopping center) are presented and analyzed to illustrate how traffic reduction and improved vehicular flow can be achieved by low-cost measures such as ride-sharing programs, parking management policies, transit service improvements, marketing and others. The effectiveness of the university's on-going program, which has reduced traffic generated by the campus by almost 8%, is assessed and a recommended expansion of the program which potentially can double this reduction by 1985 is described. While conditions at the suburban industrial park/shopping center are such that a traffic reduction of 4% to 10% is considered the upper limit of what can be achieved, a comprehensive TSM program for maximizing the efficiency of existing facilities was also developed and is described.