Evaluation of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategies and Its Prospect in Saudi Arabia

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.