Volume 4, No. 2, 2010
Received: 2010/03/09, Accepted:
Authors:
Syed Masiur Rahman; Hasan M. Al-Ahmadi;
Abstract:
Nowadays it is reiterated in the literature to put more emphasis on Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) strategies rather than the traditional transportation strategies which are based on “supply-side” tactic
specifically in rapidly growing developing countries. The experiences of many cities reveal that as capacity is
increased, demand increases at a similar rate, and subsequently in the long-term, drivers experience no net
travel time advantages and the society suffers from the impacts of costly road bills and environmental
degradation. This paper suggests emphasizing on TDM strategies to ensure sustainable transportation. The
increasing trend of passenger cars in Saudi Arabia makes it more important to concentrate on TDM strategies
as a tool for curbing vehicular pollution and congestion. This paper investigated the concept of TDM
strategies focusing on the effect of TDM strategies on vehicular emissions and congestion. The analysis of
limited scale interviews with experts revealed that tele-working, E-government, electronic shopping,
congestion and parking pricing, increased fuel pricing, preferential treatment of HOV, Light Rail Transit
(LRT) might be the potential TDM measures. The concerned authorities should think of an innovative mode
of public transit services and continuously improve the services to encourage people to switch to public
transit. Finally, this paper recommends adopting a public participatory approach in developing TDM
strategies which will significantly contribute in reducing vehicular emissions and congestion and ultimately
ensure sustainable transportation.
Keywords:
Transportation Demand Management (TDM), Vehicular emissions, Saudi Arabia