How Missoula is Leading in Sustainable Transportation Solutions

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Missoula in Motion led an effort for the city of Missoula to be officially recognized as an Accredited TDM (Transportation Demand Management) organization by an agency called the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT).

I spoke with Katherine Auge, Program Manager for Missoula in Motion about the recent recognition.

Katherine Auge Describes 'Transportation Demand Management'

“Transportation Demand Management is just an industry term, and it's used to refer to the strategies that are used to educate and encourage people to choose to get around in ways that maximize the efficiency of our transportation system,” began Auge. “We know that our roads and our parking garages only have so much capacity, but if we think about moving people instead of just moving vehicles, all of a sudden, they have a lot more capacity, and they can continue to serve people for years to come without becoming quite so congested.”

Auge further described the purpose of sustainable transportation.

Auge Says City is Promoting 'Sustainable Transportation'

“If we're moving people in ways other than just driving alone in a vehicle, if we shift people to riding the bus or carpooling or getting around by bikes, and all of a sudden our infrastructure has a lot more capacity,” she said. “So that's what that term refers to. The accreditation is just the national group that represents the type of work that we do that has tried to set some criteria and best practices for people all over the country doing this sort of work.”

Auge defined the term ‘sustainable transportation’.

“When we say sustainable transportation, that basically refers to getting around in any way other than driving alone in a vehicle,” she said. “Whether that's carpooling with someone, biking, definitely walking, or riding the bus, or even teleworking, so just eliminating a trip altogether. Ultimately, that not only is good for our environment, reducing emissions, but it also reduces congestion for those that do need to drive, and frees up parking spaces. So it really benefits everyone when one person is able to choose to leave their vehicle at home.”

The City Discourages 'Just Driving Alone in a Car'

Auge hopes the TDM designation will encourage Missoulians to use more sustainable transportation, not just driving alone in a car.

“Even if it's just choosing sustainable transportation for one trip a week, if we collectively are able to do that, it would really have a huge impact,” she said. “We know that when one person can do it, it really benefits everyone. So we’re kind of looking at it from that community perspective. We’re definitely not saying that no one should drive cars anymore or just use these other modes, but just encouraging people to recognize that they have options and feel comfortable and confident using those options available to them, and also just being aware of the benefits associated with those other options.”

Mayor Andrea Davis celebrated the TDM designation, thus encouraging the use of alternative transportation in Missoula.