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Parking and Transportation Demand Management
(TDM and PTDM)
About Transportation Demand Management
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) combines marketing and incentive programs aimed at reducing the use of Single-Occupant Vehicles (SOVs). TDM also encourages the use of a range of transportation options, including public transit, bicycling, walking and ridesharing.
The goals of the City's TDM programs are to improve mobility and access, reduce congestion and air pollution, and increase safety. These programs reduce the level of drive-alone travel by promoting walking, bicycling, carpooling, vanpooling, public transportation, and other sustainable modes. The City works cooperatively with citizens, businesses, and institutions in Cambridge and the Boston area to implement TDM measures. To help achieve its goal, the City has implemented a Parking and Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) Ordinance that requires developers to submit a PTDM plan for development projects that meet certain criteria.
General Transportation Demand Management Information
The City can help you learn more about transportation demand management options for both the public and employers.
Parking and Transportation Demand Management Ordinance
What is the PTDM Ordinance?
The PTDM Ordinance is a section of the Cambridge Municipal code that reduces vehicle trips and traffic congestion in the City by requiring parking and transportation demand management (PTDM) plans for commercial parking facilities and other types of non-residential parking facilities over a specified size.
Go to a PTDM fact sheet (PDF, 20KB)This file is in PDF format and requires use of the free
Adobe Acrobat viewer.
PTDM Ordinance
The Full Text of the Ordinance is online. The citation is Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 10.18 Parking and Transportation Demand Management, Parking Space Registration.
Does the PTDM Ordinance Apply to Your Project?
Most projectsthat include new non-residential parking require a PTDM plan. Please call the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department at 617/349-4745 to determine whether your project requires PTDM approval.
Why do I need to comply with the Ordinance?
All projects subject to the PTDM Ordinance must have an approved PTDM plan before they can obtain the necessary permits. Please contact Stephanie Groll, in the Environmental and Transportation Planning Division, sgroll@cambridgema.gov, at 617/349-4671 for help in preparing your PTDM plan for approval by the City.
Go to instructions on how to write a PTDM plan (PDF, 29KB)This file is in PDF format and requires use of the free
Adobe Acrobat viewer.
PTDM-Related Census Links
Preparation of a PTDM plan requires the proponent to set a mode-split goal for single-occupant-vehicles (SOV), based on 1990 US Census Journey to Work data. Use the links below to determine the location and 1990 mode split for a specific project.
- Census Tract Locator: Determine the census tract for a specific address.
- 1990 US Census Journey to Work Data: By census tract, including a clickable map.
PTDM Ordinance Forms
These files are in PDF format and require use of the free Adobe Acrobat viewer.You must download the forms to complete them.
- Interdepartmental Parking Facility Registration Form:
Used to register all parking spaces in the City of Cambridge, including commercial, non-commercial, and residential parking spaces. The form should be submitted to either the Department of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation or the Inspectional Services Department. - PTDM Employee Transportation Coordinator Designation Form:
Used to designate an Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC). - PTDM Plan Property Transfer Form:
Must be completed when property subject to the PTDM Ordinance is transferred to new ownership. - PTDM Small Project Form:
Used to submit a plan for a project that has a total of 19 or fewer parking spaces, including all existing and new spaces.
Go to instructions on how to write a PTDM plan (PDF, 29KB)This file is in PDF format and requires use of the free
Adobe Acrobat viewer.
For More Information
For more information about Transportation Demand Management contact Stephanie Anderberg, sanderberg@cambridgema.gov, at 617/349-4671. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621.
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