The City of Austin’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program promotes sustainable, people-centered travel options to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility throughout our region. By encouraging alternatives to driving alone – like public transit, walking, biking, teleworking, carpooling, and vanpooling – the program helps shift trips to off-peak hours and supports a more efficient, multimodal transportation network.
While traditional traffic solutions focus on building new roads or adding lanes, research shows that these approaches often lead to more congestion – not less. Instead of building our way out of traffic, TDM strategies work by shifting how, when, and why people travel. This approach is more cost-effective, quicker to implement, and better for the environment.
TDM also supports Austin’s affordability goals. Transportation is the second-highest cost for most households, after housing. Providing more travel options helps lower this burden while creating a more equitable and livable city.
What the TDM Program Does
The TDM Program supports sustainable travel in Austin through programming, planning, and policy. Here are just a few ways we’re making an impact:
- Leading the implementation of a $47.9m Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to enhance transit service, implement mobility infrastructure, and inspire behavior change in an effort to reduce vehicle miles travelled (VMT) in the region.
- Informing the public and City employees on the benefits of multimodal transportation options at events such as Blues on the Green, UT Marketplace, and City Health Expositions.
- Partnering with local nonprofits and community organizations to organize bike rides, walking trips, and multimodal events such as Bike to Work Day.
- Providing resources and information on transportation options via the Get There ATX website, social media accounts, and monthly newsletter.
- Offering City employees free or reduced-price commute options, including CapMetro transit, CapMetro Bikeshare, carpooling, and vanpooling.
- Partnering with the region’s transportation management association to enable local employers to incentivize sustainable commute solutions for their employees.
- Collaborating with CapMetro to improve and expand the CapMetro Bikeshare system from 70+ stations and 800+ bikes to 300+ stations and 2,000+ e-bikes.
- Conducting focus groups with target audiences to learn more about the public’s challenges and ideas regarding transportation options.
- Advising City departments and other transportation agencies on how to implement TDM strategies in transportation planning.
Explore more in our 2025-2029 TDM Strategic Plan.
What You Can Do to Help
Reducing congestion is a shared responsibility – and it starts with you! Here’s how you can support a more connected and sustainable Austin:
- Carpool: Share a ride with coworkers, neighbors, or friends to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, lower commuting costs, and cut down on stress. Check out Austin’s ride-share resources to explore local carpool matching tools.
- Vanpool: CapMetro’s Vanpool Program offers eligible groups of 5-12 people a monthly vanpool lease with insurance, maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and optional fuel purchasing program.
- Take Transit: CapMetro’s buses and trains serve a wide area. Use their online trip planner to find the best route for your next trip.
- Bike: Use Austin’s growing network of bike lanes and trails with your personal bike or a CapMetro Bikeshare e-bike. The City’s Bicycle Program offers maps, safety tips, and local biking laws.
- Use Shared Micromobility: E-scooters and shared bikes are convenient, low-impact options for short urban trips. Visit the City’s Shared Mobility Services website to learn more.
What Employers Can Do
Employers play a key role in reducing congestion by offering TDM programs and incentives that encourage employees to commute sustainably. These programs can:
- Reduce demand for costly parking
- Boost employee morale and retention
- Improve air quality
- Enhance an organization's public image
Here are two key regional resources for employers:
- Movability: Central Texas’ transportation management association, connecting employers with commute solutions.
- Commute Solutions: A platform that offers carpool matching and commuter incentive programs in Central Texas.
Discover Your Travel Options with Get There ATX
The City of Austin created Get There ATX as a one-stop resource for sustainable transportation information. Whether you’re a resident, visitor, student, or employer, the site helps you:
- Compare travel options
- Plan smarter commutes
- Learn about transit, biking, walking, shared mobility, and more
- Stay updated on programs, incentives, and events
Visit getthereatx.com or follow @GetThereATX on Instagram to explore how you can get around Austin more sustainably.