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Transportation Demand Strategy

 In an effort to minimize traffic congestion, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce parking demand, and improve public health in the long-term, the city has developed a Transportation Demand Management Strategy.

The strategy, developed by an independent consultant, looks to address key transportation related concerns in and around Kitchener. It recommends a wide range of policies, programs, services, and products -  to be phased in over five years - which are aimed at having a positive impact on how residents travel in the future.

What is transportation demand management?

Transportation demand management is a concept that began to develop in the early 1970s. It is the system used by cities to control traffic congestion and capacity while maintaining or increasing mobility. TDM tools include policy changes, physical improvements, programs, and operational changes that reduce the proportion of single-occupant trips and thereby enhance mobility and improve air quality.

The benefits

Implementation of the TDM strategy will result in significant benefits to the city and to the downtown community, including:

  • Reduced parking demand
  • Less congestion
  • More pedestrian-oriented
  • Balanced approach to transportation
  • Cleaner air
  • Move liveable community

The TDM strategy, along with the implementation of the Cycling Master Plan and Long Term Parking Strategy, will provide the public with greater choice, incentives and opportunities to choose travel modes other than the single occupant vehicle.

Potential TDM initiatives

The TDM plan is based on a multi-year program that will phase in numerous initiatives over five years, some of which may include:

  • Subsidized corporate Grand River Transit passes
  • Carpool matching
  • Guaranteed ride home program
  • Pilot telework program, which incorporates Web conferencing tools to avoid the need for city employees to move between facilities
  • Carbon tracking tool
  • Outreach programs
  • Marketing, educational and promotional events

Citizen support

Recent studies by the city - including the Environics Surveys and subsequent
Who-are-you-Kitchener? community consultations - have found strong citizen support for sustainable transportation.

For example, recent Environics Surveys have indicated that 89 per cent of Kitchener residents want the city to focus significant resources on becoming more environmentally friendly through investments in bike trails, transit, environmental laws, and growth management policies.

 

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