What does transportation demand management aim to accomplish?

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) focuses on influencing travel behavior to optimize the efficiency of existing transportation systems rather than expanding infrastructure. The primary goal is to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life by encouraging alternative modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, carpooling, and the use of public transit.

By manipulating travel behavior, TDM strategies seek to maximize the use of available resources, thereby creating a more sustainable and effective transportation network. This approach often includes implementing measures such as flexible work hours, promoting telecommuting, and providing incentives for using public transportation.

In contrast, the other options involve either a narrow perspective focused on costs or expansion strategies that do not align with the goals of TDM. The emphasis on manipulating travel behavior for smarter use of the system is what distinguishes TDM as a vital strategy in modern transportation planning.