Why a 10% Reduction

• The Des Moines metro area is a great place to live, work and play. We have one of the shortest commute times in the nation with an average commute of about 19 minutes.
• As our population grows over the next 30 years, the concern is that our population and job growth may outpace the infrastructure (roads) we have in place. Growth scenarios for the metro area predict an additional 55,000 workers will work downtown by 2030. Most of these workers will live on the outer ring of the metro area – making transportation in and out of the central business district an important issue.
• When I-235 construction plans were being made our government officials decided to do a minimal build rather than a full build. This decision was based on traffic counts that demonstrate congestion is only an issue during morning and afternoon drive times.
• Therefore, our governmental leaders decided to mandate a 10% permanent reduction in the amount of cars on the streets during peak hours.
• The mandate is intended to proactively address this issue so that we can maintain the mobility and quality of life we enjoy as Central Iowans.
• Below is an illustration of how the 10% reduction works:

As you can see, street capacity increases when commuters use alternative modes of transportation rather than driving alone.

You can do your part to help our community achieve this reduction by: carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus, working flexible schedules, riding your bike, walking, living near your work or telecommuting. Even doing something different a couple times a week can make an impact.

Contact the Transportation Management Association at 286-4969 to learn more. 

Traffic Statistics
 

• Our workforce is used to one of the shortest commute times in the nation. According to the 2000 US Census Des Moines' mean commute time is 19.2 minutes.
• According to the Census, 81.8 percent of Des Moines residents drive alone; 10.7 percent carpool; 3.3 percent work from home; 2.1 percent walk; only 1.6 percent use transit; and .6 percent use other means.
• Between 1990 and 2000, Iowa populations increased 5 percent while daily vehicle miles traveled increased 22 percent.
• Over the last 30 years nationwide vehicle miles traveled have nearly tripled, the number of drivers increased by 70 percent and the number of vehicles has doubled.
• The cost of traffic congestion in 1999 came to $78 billion nationwide. This total includes the cost of 4.5 billion hours of lost time due to traffic delays and 6.8 billion gallons of fuel wasted while sitting in traffic.

Contact Us
Call the TMA at 286-4969 to schedule an appointment.