NEGLECTED HIGH-ACHIEVEMENT TSM ACTIONS

The purpose of this paper is to discuss ways in which the implementation of high-achievement TSM actions (e.g. ride sharing, staggered hours, parking management, high occupancy vehicle incentives, improved public transit scheduling, pricing) that have been neglected can be promoted. These strategies have not been implemented widely because of a lack of a constituency, the need for extensive interagency coordination, competition with capital projects, political sensitivity, and funding difficulties. However, there are a number of success stories that could be disseminated to serve as models for other metropolitan areas, with emphasis on the impressive energy effectiveness of these projects. Additional time and effort to assess economic and social effects is necessary to respond to political and public concerns. State and federal legislatures should be made more aware of the benefits of these actions through more-effective contact or by direct lobbying. Federal leverage could also be used through categorical funding programs, added inducements in existing programs, specific TSM project goals or targets in each urbanized area, regulatory changes, or offers of technical assistance.