Chapter 19.35
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Sections:

19.35.010    Purpose.

19.35.020    Findings.

19.35.030    Goals and objectives.

Cross references: Traffic and vehicles, Title 10.

19.35.010 Purpose.

This article is enacted by the city for the following purposes:

(1) To promote and encourage the use of alternatives to commuting by single-occupant vehicles among city residents and individuals working in the city;

(2) To support local and regional efforts to relieve traffic congestion in and around the city, thereby reducing noise, pollution, and energy consumption;

(3) To implement 1995 state legislation eliminating requirements enforcing mandatory employer-based trip reduction plans and to improve and adopt new purposes, goals, and objectives for transportation demand management.

(Code 1965, § 71000; Code 2002, § 78-211. Ord. No. 85-44; Ord. No. 87-7; Ord. No. 91-22; Ord. No. 94-7; Ord. No. 94-20; Ord. No. 97-15)

19.35.020 Findings.

(a) Transportation demand management (TDM) has the potential to reduce vehicle trips and vehicle emissions more efficiently and cost effectively than major roadway improvements.

(b) For many years prior to passage of Measure C in 1988, local jurisdictions developed and implemented a variety of TDM projects and programs, e.g., operation of transit systems, construction of bicycle facilities, land use policy coordination and related improvements.

(c) Since 1992, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (the “Authority”) has committed both Measure C and Transportation Fund for Clear Air (“TFCA”) funds to four subarea programs for the implementation of Measure C and Clean Air Plan goals.

(d) In compliance with the requirements of the TDM Program ordinance, large employers were required to develop and implement trip reduction programs at worksites; pursuant to that requirement, implementation of the TDM Program ordinance was delegated to TRANSPAC (the Central Contra Costa Transportation Committee).

(e) The Countywide Comprehensive Transportation Plan incorporates each regional committee’s action plan for routes of regional significance, which support specific TDM program goals and objectives.

(f) Over the past four years, the subarea TDM programs have been successful in reducing vehicle trips and emissions at the employment sites specified in the TDM ordinance, as well as in school and residential areas where programs have been implemented.

(g) Since the adoption of the TDM Program ordinance, TDM efforts have been expanded to include aspects of the transportation system other than employer programs, e.g., enhancement of transit and bicycle facilities, residential and commuter transit incentive promotions, incorporation of new technologies into the system including ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) and EDP (Early Deployment Program) strategies, expanded school ride-matching outreach to include all schools and community colleges in Contra Costa, and land use policy coordination and related enhancements.

(h) In adopting Ordinance No. 97-15, cooperation and coordination with other local jurisdictions and regions in TDM are acknowledged as having the potential to enhance the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its efforts; accordingly, the City Council directs staff to take steps to implement TDM in accordance with the policies, goals, and objectives set forth herein, and in cooperation with TRANSPAC staff.

(Code 1965, § 71001; Code 2002, § 78-212. Ord. No. 97-15)

19.35.030 Goals and objectives.

(a) In light of elimination of mandatory employer-based trip reduction requirements, the following purposes, goals, and objectives are adopted in order to assist staff in continuing the implementation of the TDM Program ordinance and programs:

(1) To promote maximum efficiency in the existing transportation system and to further the transportation goals of the Measure C Growth Management Program, Contra Costa’s Congestion Management Program, and the Bay Area Clean Air Plan by:

a. Promoting and encouraging the use of transit, ridesharing, bicycling, walking, flexible work hours, and telecommuting as alternatives to solo driving;

b. Incorporating these goals and objectives into the land use review and planning process;

c. Developing proactive programs and/or projects either alone or in conjunction with other jurisdictions, or with TRANSPAC, aimed at achieving these goals;

d. Considering the incorporation of appropriate technology designed to facilitate traffic flow, provide transit and highway information, and provide trip generation alternatives and related technology into the transportation system;

e. Educating central county employees, employers, residents, and students regarding the benefits and availability of commute alternatives;

f. Working with the transit authorities to better serve central Contra Costa County;

g. Encouraging the most cost-effective, broad-based, and wide range of transportation improvement projects aimed at achieving congestion relief;

h. Cooperating with other jurisdictions, the private sector, and transit operators in planning and implementing transportation programs.

(2) To reflect an ongoing commitment to expand TDM efforts beyond employer-based trip reduction programs in order to achieve traffic congestion management and air quality goals.

(3) To comply with applicable state and federal laws as well as with Measure C Growth Management Program requirements pertaining to TDM.

(b) The goal of the TDM Program ordinance as amended is to ensure the continuation of a proactive TDM program effort aimed at reducing vehicle trips, vehicle emissions, and traffic congestion in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

(c) The objective of this section is to establish the following policies:

(1) To participate in conjunction with other jurisdictions and TRANSPAC in a proactive effort to supply and develop projects which will achieve the Measure C TDM goals as described in the TRANSPAC Action Plan, the Countywide Comprehensive Transportation Plan, the Measure C Strategic Plan, the Congestion Management Plan, and/or the Bay Area Clean Air Plan. Such participation may include, but need not be limited to:

a. Promotion and encouragement of the use of transit, ridesharing, bicycling, walking, flexible work hours, telecommuting, or other alternatives to solo driving;

b. Projects incorporating appropriate technology designed to facilitate traffic flow, and provide transit and highway information, and related technology.

(2) To incorporate these goals, as appropriate, into its land use review and planning process.

(Code 1965, § 71002; Code 2002, § 78-213. Ord. No. 85-44; Ord. No. 87-7; Ord. No. 91-22; Ord. No. 94-7; Ord. No. 94-20; Ord. No. 97-15)