Travel Demand Management
Reducing car dependence and achieving the modal shift towards integrated
transport that underpins the 20% by 2020 goal and investment in
regional fast rail will require some major changes in travel behaviour.
The expectations of Melbourne 2030 also include community acceptance
of
- higher residential densities,
- concentrated mixed use activity centres
- different suburban residential forms
- an urban growth boundary
Introduction of an urban growth boundary has profound implications
for the way Melbourne will develop. The higher density patterns
of activity centres and transit cities depend on greater use of
public transport, walking and cycling to achieve the desired sustainability
and liveability benefits.
Experiences from increasing density within the existing urban fabric
are of considerable opposition to development proposals, often on
the grounds of increased traffic and parking congestion. Local governments
are well positioned to build support for new planning policies,
but will also bear the brunt of dissatisfaction with unpalatable
planning decisions.
Local government can take a leadership role, identifying the need
for change and adopting new practices within council. Some possible
actions are
- through community planning link long term visions to short term
less popular outcomes
- build a community commitment to sustainability
- convene a local leadership group to better communicate with
the community
- adopt more sustainable transport practices within council
Simultaneously improve the walking, cycling and public transport
networks where possible, by
- using developer contributions to finance improvements
- advocate for better public transport to support new developments
And undertake programs to improve patronage
- require destination trip planning for all new developments
- undertake green travel plans
- develop information systems and maps
- run TravelSMART style programs
- insist on integrated transport access to events
More resources on travel demand management (TDM) can be found in
the following folder:
What local governments
can do
Local governments can find themselves extending their role in
transport when acting in community best interest. Additional activities
may not be expensive and can provide a real local benefit.
Institutions and agencies
A summary of the roles of federal, state and other agencies
Available tools and
resources
There are a number of useful resources to help local governments
Learn from others
Look at work done elsewhere to get ideas for your area.
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