Transportation Demand Management Strategies Either Push or Pull

Push strategies (“sticks”) seek to deter people from using individual cars and motorcycles by making it less attractive and/or more expensive to use them. Common push strategies are:

• Increase taxes (e.g., vehicle ownership, fuel).
• Manage parking (e.g., on-street fees and time-limits).
• Charge during congested periods.
• Reduce or ban them in low-emission zones.
• Implement Trip Reduction Ordinances.

Pull strategies (“carrots”) aim to attract people to more sustainable modes of transport. These strategies focus on enhancing:

• Walking
• Cycling
• Public transport
• Vanpooling
• Carpooling

While push strategies reduce the use of cars, pull strategies bring forward more sustainable options.

Both strategies focus on transportation issues, but cities can also manage the demand through better urban planning policies.