Transportation control measures (TCMs) comprise various strategies aimed at minimizing air pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and fuel consumption associated with transportation. These strategies primarily focus on reducing the distance traveled by vehicles and enhancing the efficiency of road operations.
TCMs also have the goal of increasing travel efficiency through strategic management of the transportation system.
Types of Transportation Control Measures (TCMs)
Local governments and municipalities can implement a range of TCMs that include:
- Improvement of public transportation to reduce car usage
- Making buses, subways, and trains faster, more affordable, convenient, and reliable to encourage people to rely less on their cars.
- Investing in infrastructure upgrades such as dedicated bus lanes, new park-and-ride facilities, and transit lines.
- Improvising service delivery improvements, incentive programs, and effective communication and outreach are also important.
- Promote development near public transportation to create a convenient and affordable way of living, where housing, jobs, stores, restaurants, and entertainment are all within easy reach of each other and transportation.
- Promote biking and walking, especially for short distances.
- Offer bicycle racks, showers, lockers, and maps to promote cycling and walking. Furthermore, promotes cycling and walking by enhancing safety measures, including the installation of well-lit crosswalks, well-maintained sidewalks, and reliable street lights.
- Alternatively, it can convert deserted railways into versatile trails, widely known as rails-to-trails.
- By offering tax incentives and constructing park-and-ride lots, local governments have the opportunity to set a powerful example and foster the adoption of commuter choice programs by private companies.
Also See: The Future of Urban Transportation
Benefits of Transportation Control Measures
Local governments can achieve significant environmental, economic, and social benefits through the utilization of TCMs.
1. Decrease GHG emissions, and enhance air quality.
TCM policies can decrease vehicle emissions by implementing strategies like reducing the miles traveled by single-occupancy vehicles (SOVs). The amount of emission reductions depends on the type of TCM policy, how widely it is implemented, the type of pollutant, and the time frame.
2. Decreased energy and travel expenses
Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) can help individuals, employers, and local governments reduce their energy and transportation expenses, leading to substantial cost savings. In addition to reducing congestion and total vehicle miles travelled (VMT), TCMs have the potential to generate substantial fuel savings.
Implementing various Traffic Control Measures (TCMs) can greatly enhance traffic operations while encouraging the use of alternative transportation options. This not only leads to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions but also results in significant energy savings for both drivers and fleet owners.
Also See: 12 Innovative Urban Transportation Apps