3. Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
3.1 Purpose of TDM
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) aims to reduce vehicle trip generation from new developments by encouraging multi-modal transportation options over traditional single-occupancy vehicle use. As Austin continues to grow, integrating meaningful and measurable TDM strategies becomes essential to minimize development impacts on the transportation network.
3.2 TDM Plan Requirements
Developments generating 2,000 or more unadjusted vehicle trips per day must submit a TDM Plan. The plan operates on a points-based system, where each selected TDM measure contributes to an overall trip reduction percentage. Measures should be tailored to the site’s land use, intensity, location, and proximity to multimodal infrastructure. Minimum point thresholds and point-to-reduction ratios vary depending on context. Details on this system are available in Section 10.3.0 of the Transportation Criteria Manual (TCM).
The TDM Plan should be summarized in the Transportation Assessment or Full TIA and included as an appendix. If prepared during zoning, the plan must be part of the Zoning Transportation Analysis, provided a TIA or Assessment is not required. The total trip reduction percentage will influence trip generation estimates during the study scoping process. For further guidance, refer to Section 4.
3.3 Required Components of a TDM Plan
A complete TDM Plan must include:
3.3.1 Sustainable Modes Analysis
This analysis evaluates pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connectivity within a half-mile radius of the site or relevant pedestrian corridors. It should include:
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Infrastructure Inventory: Conditions of sidewalks, bike lanes, transit access, and any gaps or barriers in the non-vehicular network.
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Desire Line Figures: Visuals illustrating key pedestrian/bike/transit connections between the site and nearby generators like schools, transit stops, and community centers.
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Improvement Needs: A narrative and table of needed upgrades per City mobility plans, including locations, descriptions, and cost estimates.
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Conceptual Schematics: Preliminary designs and any identified construction challenges for proposed improvements.
3.3.2 TDM Worksheet
The TDM Worksheet is integrated into the Street Impact Fee (SIF) Calculator as a separate tab. It outlines various TDM strategies, point values, and the resulting trip reduction percentage. All selected measures must align with site-specific conditions. Completed worksheets must be included in the final report’s appendix.
Applicants may also propose innovative or emerging strategies not listed in the worksheet. However, justification with industry data is required, and final approval lies with Transportation Development Services (TDS).
4. Transportation Assessments and Full TIAs
Development Process Flow
Refer to the Development Process Flowchart (Figure 1) for an overview of the transportation study process. Each step is further detailed in this section.
4.1 Fees
All applicable fees for scope and study review must be paid before the initial review of a Transportation Assessment or Full TIA. Fee schedules are available on the TDS website.
4.2 Review Timelines
TDS processes reviews on a first-come, first-served basis. The timeline begins once a complete submittal and payment are received. Table 1 below outlines the average TDS review durations:
| Submittal Type | First Review (Days) | Follow-up Review (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | 10 | 5 |
| Transportation Assessment (2,000–4,999 trips) | 20 | 10 |
| Full TIA (5,000–14,999 trips) | 30 | 15 |
| Full TIA (15,000–39,999 trips) | 30 | 15 |
| Full TIA (40,000+ trips) | 40 | 20 |
Note: These durations apply only to TDS review. Applicants should allow additional time to respond to comments and coordinate mitigation with the City and other stakeholders.
4.3 Scope Requirements
4.3.1 Purpose of Scoping
The scope defines the parameters and extent of the transportation study, including study area limits, trip generation and reductions, growth rates, and analysis methodologies. While general guidelines apply, the development’s location and land use may necessitate adjustments based on professional judgment.
4.3.2 Scope Submission
If the TIA Determination Worksheet indicates a Transportation Assessment or Full TIA is needed, applicants must submit a scope using the TIA Portal on the TDS website. A standard scoping template is also available there.
Each development is assigned a Lead Development Review Engineer based on the Council District:
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North Area: Districts 4, 6, 7, 10
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Central Area: Districts 1, 9
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South Area: Districts 2, 3, 5, 8
Applicants should coordinate with the appropriate TDS contact for questions or to request a scoping meeting, either prior to or after the draft submission. Once both parties approve the scope, a signed copy must be uploaded to the TIA Portal. Scope and review fees must be paid before the study review begins. Submissions without an approved scope will not be reviewed.
For projects in the City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), applicants must coordinate with the relevant agency (e.g., County, TxDOT). TDS will only review ETJ projects under special circumstances such as planned annexation or PUD zoning.
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