TDM: Solutions to Ease Traffic and Help Commuters

As the Fairfax County community grows, it is important to address the transportation and traffic impacts that come with new developments throughout the county. During this growth, the County strives to maintain a high quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors. One way that Fairfax County works to accomplish this is through a set of strategies that are aimed at reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicle trips. These strategies, known as Transportation Demand Management (TDM), focus on providing access, information, education, and incentives to use alternative methods of transportation such as transit, ridesharing, biking, and walking. Implementing these strategies can reduce the traffic impacts of new developments, all while making our community safer, cleaner, healthier, and more equitable.

The goal of Transportation Demand Management is to make it easier and more efficient for people to get around Fairfax County by reducing reliance on driving alone. These strategies can apply to both personal and work-related travel and are intended to support daily commuting as well as other routine trips. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road during peak travel periods, Transportation Demand Management helps lessen the transportation impacts associated with growth and development.

TDM and the Development Process

Fairfax County encourages further growth of TDM programs by working with developers to create commuting options for their future residential and commercial tenants. As part of the rezoning process, developers may voluntarily commit to proffers that help address the impacts of new development and support County planning objectives as conditions of approval. These proffers can include TDM measures designed to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and promote the use of alternative transportation options. The specific needs and elements of a TDM program vary based on a property's location, size, development type (residential, commercial, mixed-use, etc.), and the availability of existing or planned transit and nearby amenities.

In Fairfax County, TDM programs can include both financial and non-financial incentives to meet established goals. The County actively helps support property owners, agents, and tenants through outreach and coordination activities in order to meet traffic reduction goals.

Transportation Demand Management isn’t a “one-and-done” effort. Fairfax County continues to collaborate with developers and program managers across the county to ensure that TDM programs are regularly evaluated and adjusted as needed to support a safer, healthier, and more connected community.

Common elements of TDM programs offered by developers include:

Next Steps

Commuters: If you are looking for resources on how to get to work, please visit the Fairfax County Commuter Services webpage. From there, you'll find information on transit, biking, carpooling and vanpooling, telecommuting and more.

Employers: If you are looking to build a commuting program that reduces workforce stress, increases employee retention, and improves the environment, please start with the Fairfax County Commuter Services page.  

Communities: If your property is interested in becoming a certified Commuter Friendly Community, please visit the Commuter Friendly Communities webpage.

Developers: For more information about TDM and development in Fairfax County, please continue to our TDM Toolkit for Developers.