Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today introduced theMaximizing Transportation Efficiency Act. This bill would increase investments in Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies to make the U.S. transportation system more connected, cost-effective, and economically beneficial to local communities, especially rural and small communities. This legislation is being led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.-10).

TDM strategies are essential for improving mobility, reducing congestion, and enhancing transportation efficiency across the nation. By codifying a federal definition of TDM and clarifying its eligibility within existing programs, this legislation would ensure consistency in funding across the nation. Additionally, setting aside dedicated funds for rural TDM pilot programs and the removal of barriers within the Congestion Relief Program would expand access to affordable transportation options, connect families and communities, and increase job access – no matter where you live.

“The Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act would help us get even more out of our existing transportation infrastructure, especially in small and rural communities,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “In Delaware, DART is already displaying the positive impact of TDM strategies by reducing congestion and promoting innovative commute options. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Congresswoman Strickland and look forward to working with our colleagues to get it passed.”

“Investing in TDM strategies will only further connect our communities,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “Americans across the country need safe and reliable transportation options – regardless of zipcode.” 

The Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act:

• Creates a uniform definition for “Transportation Demand Management” under federal transportation law and adds eligibility to highway, formula, and discretionary grant programs.
• Develops a rural TDM pilot program, with a focus on supporting small-scale projects needed in rural communities.
• Amends the Congestion Relief Program to include a small project set aside that will lower the cost of eligible projects and increase access for small and rural communities. 

“This bill recognizes that rural communities deserve the same access to innovative transportation solutions as urban areas,” said Kathleen Grier, Program Manager at Delaware Commute Solutions. “Dedicated funding for rural Transportation Demand Management (TDM) pilot programs will give communities the resources to implement new strategies that connect families and expand job opportunities.”

“Expanding mobility options and improving the efficiency of our transportation network is more important than ever,” said Sue Schwartz, FAICP, President of the American Planning Association. “The American Planning Association applauds the leadership of Sen. Blunt Rochester on transportation demand management and is pleased to endorse the Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act. This legislation improves planning, expands support for rural areas and small communities, better meets the needs of our nation’s changing demographics, and incorporates new demand management tools and technologies into federal transportation programs.”

“This legislation is key to ensuring every community – rural, suburban, or urban – can put TDM strategies to work solving their unique mobility challenges,” said David Straus, Executive Director of the Association for Commuter Transportation. “It simplifies federal funding processes, and helps deliver real resources that help families, neighborhoods, and businesses thrive. Communities of all sizes deserve reliable travel options, and this bill is a major step toward providing them affordably and efficiently.”

“Codifying TDM into federal law would be a game-changer for getting necessary transportation funding into communities across the United States,” said Andy Keeton, VP of Global Strategy at Commutifi. “This legislation is a critical step toward modernizing our transportation system, reducing congestion, and improving mobility nationwide.”

“Defining TDM in federal law will be pivotal for getting more federal funding into our communities – both urban and rural,” said Veronica Jarvis, Chair, Public Policy Committee, Association for Commuter Transportation. “Embedding TDM strategies into federal programs will help drive innovative transportation solutions no matter where you live.”

The Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act is endorsed by the Association for Commuter Transportation, Delaware Commute Solutions, American Planning Association, Actionfigure, City of Aspen, City of Bloomington, Go Bloomington, Zero-In Bloomington, Connect Bellevue, Commutifi, El Paso Transportation Authority, Go Buffalo Niagara, GO ITHACA, GVF, Louisville Metro Government, Movability, North Natomas Jibe, Puget Sound Regional Council, TDM Specialist, Inc., The TMA Group, Transportation Choices Coalition, University of Utah, Via Transportation, and the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments.

A one pager on the bill is available here. Full text is available here.

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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.