Transportation Demand Management

A person riding a bicycle on a city street with cars parallel parked.

Transportation Demand Management refers to activities that help people use the transportation system more efficiently, while reducing traffic congestion, vehicle emissions and fuel consumption. How people use the region's transportation system significantly affects the need for new transportation investments and support system preservation and maintenance. In short, the activities help get the most out of transportation infrastructure and services by making lower-cost, higher-efficiency transportation options easier to use and more readily available.

The activities include such options as eliminating or shortening trips, changing the mode of travel, or changing the time of day a trip is made, as well as action that increase transportation system efficiency through carpooling, vanpooling, transit, bicycling and walking. Transportation Demand Management strategies also include employer-based programs such as alternative work schedules, which can shift demand away from peak travel times, and telework, which can reduce the need for trips entirely. Denver Regional Council of Governments coordinates the large-scale Transportation Demand Management funding and service efforts in the Denver region along with the other partner state, regional and local agencies.

DRCOG Board of Directors unaimously adopted the Transportation Demand Management Strategic Plan in December 2023. To read the plan and toolkit, visit the Transportation Demand Management Strategic Plan page.