Transportation Demand Management

Sustainable methods of transport are ways of getting from place-to-place with little or no effect on the environment, such as transit, carpooling, walking and cycling.

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) policies and programs influence how people choose to travel. It aims to reduce single-occupant vehicle trips (vehicles carrying only one person) by encouraging more sustainable forms of transportation.

Transportation Demand Management:

• Can lower the amount of vehicles on our roads and help improve air quality.
• Promotes more choice and accessibility for users, saving time and money.
• Supports better health and fitness.

Why Do We Need TDM in Peel?

We can all save money.

It costs millions of taxpayer dollars for new roads, wider roads and better transit.

We can reduce traffic congestion.

• Right now, Peel's population is over 1 million people. This number is expected to grow to over 1.6 million residents by 2031.
• There were 609,000 jobs in Peel in 2006. This number is expected to increase to 870,000 jobs by 2031.
• Peel Region's morning peak trips could increase by 53% in the next 20 year

Public transportation

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to maintain proper physical distancing when carpooling in a vehicle or taking public transit. If possible, work from home, cycle, walk or use a private vehicle to get around. If you feel sick or think you may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, stay home and get tested.

If you rely on carpooling or public transportation, follow the Core Four actions and these additional tips to stay safe.

Carpooling

• Limit the number of people in a vehicle.
• Wear a non-medical mask or face covering if commuting with anyone outside your household or social circle.
• Keep the windows open if weather permits to bring in fresh air and use the air vents to improve air circulation inside the vehicle.
• Increase cleaning and disinfecting of high touch areas, such as seatbelts, door handles, steering wheel, radio, window buttons and dashboard.
• Keep a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the car for passengers to use.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before getting in and after getting out of the car; encourage passengers to do the same.

Public Transit

• Check transit provider guidelines before travelling. Non-medical masks are now mandatory on many local transit services. Follow any additional safety measures and directions from transit providers.
• Keep a minimum of 2 metres (6 feet) distance away from others during your travels, both while riding transit and while waiting at bus stops or inside terminals.
• Hold onto handrails. It’s better to keep yourself safe and prevent a fall. Avoid touching your face and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands before getting in and after getting off.
• Check transit schedules as transit providers may be running reduced services. Consider travelling during off-peak times when routes may be less crowded.

Peel Sustainable Transportation Strategy

The Sustainable Transportation Strategy (STS), approved by Regional Council in February 2018, sets a goal of a 50% sustainable mode share by 2041. The STS is accompanied by two implementation plans, one which focuses on active transportation (AT) and another which focuses on transportation demand management (TDM).

If travel habits remain the same, by 2041 it is estimated that there will be 45% more vehicles on the road during the morning peak period—or approximately 190,000 more cars. In order to achieve a 50% sustainable mode share and reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on Peel roads, the STS proposes a number of actions to increase trips by walking, cycling, transit, carpooling, and telework.