Common Elements of Trip Reduction Ordinances

Goals: The city or state sets the goals (e.g., to reduce traffic congestion, emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, and/or reduce energy consumption).

Objectives: ​The city or state sets a measurable target (by percent or units) to reach in terms of reducing traffic congestion, emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, and/or energy consumption. Organizations adopt objectives suitable to their size as approved by the city or state.   

Define who participates. The city or state decides which “organizations” must participate by size, location, recency of development, or other criteria. An organization is any employer or development complex, public or private, that generates daily commuting trips. For example, an organization could be a public building, office complex, industry, shopping center, university, school, hospital, or company. Participation can be voluntary or mandatory.

Type of TRO: The government authority determines whether the TRO is “programmed” or “performance based”.

• Programmed (activity-based) – the organization selects mobility measures from a pre-defined list of options given by the city.
• Performance-based – the organization conducts a staff travel survey and develops a plan of action to meet the goals set by the city.

Incentives and penalties: Set by the city or state to spur compliance.

General requirements for participating organizations:

• Define goals and objectives aligned to the city’s policy.
• Develop and implement a Workplace Travel Plan and its communication strategy.
• Designate a person to lead the effort.
• Submit reports on progress toward goals.