The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has announced proposed plans to make key updates to its proffered Transportation Demand Management (TDM) guidelines as the program exceeds original trip reduction goals to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance multimodal accessibility across the region.
Established in 2013, the Proffered TDM Guidelines outline trip reduction goals for commercial and residential developments that come through the county's entitlement process to obtain approval for their project. Reduction goals are based on a variety of criteria, including development type, square-footage, location and proximity to transit.
Today, 55 developments have programs and report annually under the standardized proffered TDM Guidelines. Since the guidelines were established in 2013, the average trip reduction for sites with a TDM program is 61%. Examples of developer strategies for reducing single-occupancy trips include providing shuttle services, transit subsidies, rideshare, telework, incorporating pedestrian improvements and promoting other non-motorized transit options.
Building on the established success of the program, FCDOT is working with the Board of Supervisors, community stakeholders and industry representatives to implement updates that will streamline processes and better align goals with current conditions. Proposed changes include:
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Revised trip reduction goals with increased targets for both office and residential developments
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An expanded Remedy Fund, a monetary set-aside which can be used to address goal shortfalls or be returned to developers if TDM goals are achieved, for the entire county
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A simplified TDM plan submission for developers
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Updated funding language to ensure clarity of financial commitments
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Enhanced support and resources for developers
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Improved TDM proffer process
“These proposed updates, the program’s first in 12 years, illustrate the county’s continued commitment to making sustainable commuting a priority,” said Marcus Moore, FCDOT's TDM team lead. “By increasing reduction goals and simplifying processes, we are ensuring that our transit infrastructure is effectively utilized while giving developers clear and actionable guidelines.”
FCDOT is working with stakeholders to review these updates and expects to present a final proposal to the Board of Supervisors later this year.
For more information and resources available for reducing single occupancy vehicle trips in Fairfax County, visit FCDOT’s Transportation Demand Management webpage.
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