Chapter 8-18 — TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

(a)

Transportation systems management (TSM) has the potential to reduce vehicle trips and vehicle emissions more efficiently and cost effectively than major roadway improvements.

(b)

For many years before the passage of Measure C, local jurisdictions developed and implemented a variety of TSM projects and programs, e.g., operation of transit systems, construction of bicycle facilities, land use policy coordination and related improvements.

(c)

Since 1992, the authority has committed both Measure C and Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) funds to four subarea programs for implementation of Measure C and clean air plan goals.

(d)

In compliance with the requirements of the TSM ordinance codified in this chapter, large employers are required to develop and implement trip reduction programs at work sites.

(e)

The countywide comprehensive transportation plan incorporates each regional committee's action plan for routes of regional significance which support specific TSM/TDM goals and objectives.

(f)

Over the past four years, the subarea TSM programs have been successful in reducing vehicle trips and emissions at the employment sites specified in the TSM ordinance codified in this chapter, as well as in school and residential areas where programs have been implemented.

(g)

Since the adoption of the TSM ordinance codified in this chapter, TSM efforts have been expanded to include aspects of the transportation system other than employer programs, e.g., enhancement of transit and bicycle facilities, incorporation of new technologies into the system, land use policy coordination and related enhancements.

(h)

In adopting Sections 8-1801 and 8-1802 and repealing former Sections 8-1803—8-1841, the council acknowledges that cooperation and coordination with other local jurisdiction and regions in TSM has the potential to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its efforts; accordingly, the council directs staff to take steps to implement TSM in accordance with the policies, goals, and objectives set forth in Section 8-1802.

(Ord. 473 § 1 (part), 1997: Ord. 430 § 1 (part), 1994)

(a)

In light of the elimination of mandatory employer-based trip reduction requirements, the following purposes, goals and objective are adopted in order to assist staff in continuing the implementation of the TSM ordinance codified in this chapter and programs:

(1)

To promote maximum efficiency in the existing transportation system to and further the transportation goals of the Measure C growth management programs, Contra Costa's congestion management program and the Bay Area clean air plan by:

(A)

Promoting and encouraging the use of transit, ridesharing, bicycling, walking, flexible work hours and telecommuting as alternatives to solo driving,

(B)

Incorporating these goals and objectives into the land use review and planning process,

(C)

Developing proactive programs and projects either alone or in conjunction with other jurisdictions, or with the city's regional transportation planning committee, aimed at achieving these goals,

(D)

Considering the incorporation of appropriate technology designed to facilitate traffic flow, provide transit and highway information, provide trip generation alternatives and related technology into the transportation system,

(E)

Cooperating with other jurisdictions, the private sector, and transit operators in planning and implementing transportation programs;

(2)

To reflect ongoing commitment to expand TSM efforts beyond employer-based trip reduction programs, in order to achieve traffic congestion management and air quality goals;

(3)

To comply with applicable state and federal laws, as well as with Measure C growth management programs requirements, pertaining to TSM.

(b)

The goal of the TSM ordinance codified in this chapter is to ensure the continuation of a proactive TSM program effort aimed at reducing vehicle trips, vehicle emissions and traffic congestion in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

(c)

The objective of this section is to establish the following policies:

(1)

To participate, in conjunction with other jurisdictions and their regional transportation planning committees, in a proactive effort to support and develop projects that will achieve the Measure C TSM/TDM goals as described in the regional transportation planning committee's action plan, the countywide comprehensive transportation plan, the Measure C strategic plan, the congestion management plan and the Bay Area clean air plan;

(2)

Such participation may include, but need not be limited to:

(A)

Promotion and encouragement of the use of transit, ridesharing, bicycling, walking, flexible work hours, telecommuting, or other alternatives to solo driving, and

(B)

Projects incorporating appropriate technology designed to facilitate traffic flow, provide transit and highway information and related technology;

(3)

To incorporate these goals into land use review and planning process.

(Ord. 473 § 1 (part), 1997: Ord. 430 § 1 (part), 1994)