TCM Methods and Models

This page links you to documents that are useful for understanding the various methodologies and models in use throughout the country. These documents will help you determine the emission reduction and cost benefits of certain TCMs and TCM type activities.

Related Information

• Public Agency Guidance on Employer-Based TDM Programs and Employer Technical Memorandum on Characteristics of Effective TDM Programs and Employer Technical Memorandum: Characteristics of Effective TDM Programs
  Abstract: Public Agency Guidance on Employer-Based TDM Programs and Employer Technical Memorandum on Characteristics of Effective TDM Programs (TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Web Document 22) was created for the Federal Transit Administatration in an effort ot assist public agencies in developing more cost effective transportation demand management (TDM) programs. This document is and its companion piece for Cost-Effectiveness of Transportation Demand Strategies (TRB's TCRP Project B-4), Employer Technical Memorandum: Characteristics of Effective TDM Programs, are available in PDF at www.trb.org.

• A Sampling of Emissions Analysis Techniques for Transportation Control Measures. FHWA, November, 2000. Publication: FHWA-EP-01-01. (Also in PDF - 2.9 MB )
  Abstract: This report describes modeling tools and other methods that can be used to assess the emissions benefits of transportation control measures and other projects in applying for CMAQ funds. The report is primarily intended for state or local air quality/transportation program analysts, but also others interested in estimating the emissions benefits of CMAQ projects.

• Off-Model Air Quality Analysis: A Compendium of Practice. (PDF - 65 KB) Andrew Edwards, FHWA Southern Resource Center, August 1999.
  Abstract: This compendium offers a look into several methodologies, utilized in the FHWA's Southern Resource Center geographic area, that provide for the evaluation of possible emission reductions. These methodologies are not all encompassing but should offer insight into off-model practice.

• Commuter Connections Transportation Demand Management Evaluation: TCMs Evaluation Framework. WashCOG No. 98614. March 1998
  Abstract: This report presents results of an analysis of commuter transportation assistance services offered by the Commuter Connections Program of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) to commuters and employers in the Washington, DC region between July 1 and September 30, 1997. This report estimates transportation and air quality impacts, cost effectiveness of Commuter Connections' services and one transportation emission reduction measure (TERM), implemented by Commuter Connections: Guaranteed Ride Home.

• TCM: Methodology Matrix. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1998. (PDF - ? KB)
  Abstract: A database of TCM project types, summarizing and describing the advantages and disadvantages of methodologies, and a reference for follow-up.

• Technical Methods for Analyzing Pricing Measures to Reduce Transportation Emission. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA-231-R-98-006. August 1998 (PDF - ? KB)
  Abstract: The purpose of this guidance is assist transportation, planning and air quality professionals at the state and local levels in analyzing the air emission reduction potential of market-based approaches and provide state air agencies and the U.S. EPA field staff with the technical guidance for reviewing analysis of market based measures proposed as part of the state and local air quality planning process.

• Research Concerning the Analysis of Congestion Management and Air Quality Transportation Improvement Projects. Texas Transportation Institute. Research Report 1358-2. November 1995.
  Abstract: Documented analysis procedures of travel and emission impacts of CMAQ projects are required. A search of the current literature and telephone surveys with FHWA personnel was conducted to assess what procedures were available for use in Texas, and to determine what procedures were in use around the nation. Several analysis examples of transportation projects are presented. Discussions of the expected versus evaluated benefits and potential impact of vehicle operating emissions on analysis techniques are given in the report. The report concludes with several caveats detailing findings and aspects of analysis discussed in this report.

• The Use and Evaluation of TCMs. Texas Transportation Institute, Research Report 1279-6. September 1994
  Abstract: The Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAAs) and the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) programs created an important role for the proper documentation and cost-effective evaluation of TCM emission impacts in the transportation planning process. There is currently no commonly accepted standard for monitoring or evaluating TCM impacts. This report summarizes a database compiled for this study on the use of TCMs and their documented travel and emission impacts.

• Methodologies For Estimating Emission and Travel Activity Effects of TCMs. (PDF - 5.4 MB) U.S. EPA, July 1994. Publication SYSAPP94-92/096.
  Abstract: This document provides a step-by-step approach for quantitatively estimating the travel and emission changes that are possible from implementing a number of possible TCMs.