Why ATDM?

Simply put, more can be done with 

technology and existing assets and 

programs by making a strategic 

commitment to actively manage the 

transportation system. Active management 

is a tactical approach to operating systems, 

programs, and technologies differently; 

focusing on applying more “hands on” and 

dynamic approaches through real-time 

and predictive analyses. ATDM creates an 

environment where the occurrence and 

effects of problems can be reduced. 

ATDM builds upon existing capabilities, 

assets, and programs and enables 

agencies to leverage existing investments 

— creating a more efficient and effective 

system and extending the service life of 

existing capital investments. All agencies 

and entities operating transportation 

systems can advance towards a more 

active management philosophy. 

While active management can be applied 

to any part of our transportation system 

(such as implementing dynamic pricing 

on a facility to manage congestion, or 

informing travelers of specific or compatible 

transit operations for their trip), it is most 

beneficial when the relationships and 

synergies to other parts of the system 

are considered. For example, an agency 

could apply adaptive ramp metering to 

improve freeway traffic flow. However, if 

What is Active Transportation and Demand 

Management (ATDM)?

ATDM is the dynamic management, control, and influence 

of travel demand, traffic demand, and traffic flow of 

transportation facilities. Through the use of available tools 

and assets, traffic flow is managed and traveler behavior is 

influenced in real-time to achieve operational objectives, such 

as preventing or delaying breakdown conditions, improving 

safety, promoting sustainable travel modes, reducing 

emissions, or maximizing system efficiency. 

Under an ATDM approach the transportation system is 

continuously monitored. Using archived data and/or predictive 

methods, actions are performed in real-time to achieve or 

maintain system performance.

What are some examples of ATDM Approaches? 

Active management of transportation and demand can include 

multiple approaches spanning demand management, traffic 

management, parking management, and efficient utilization of 

other transportation modes and assets.

An agency can deploy a single ATDM approach in order 

to capitalize on a specific benefit or can deploy multiple 

active strategies to gain additional benefits across the entire 

transportation system. Some example approaches include:

Active Transportation 

and Demand Management

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration

Monitor System

D

ynamic Actions

Evaluate & Recommend

Assess System

Performance

Implement

Dynamic Actions

ATDM

ATDM Program Brief: An Introduction to Active Transportation and Demand Management

Active Demand Management Active Traffic Management Active Parking Management

Dynamic Ridesharing Dynamic Lane Use Control Dynamically Priced Parking

On-Demand Transit Dynamic Speed Limits Dynamic Parking Reservation

Dynamic Pricing Queue Warning Dynamic Way-Finding

Predictive Traveler Information Adaptive Ramp Metering Dynamic Parking Capacity

Seattle I-5 Northbound Active Traffic Management – 

Source: Texas Transportation Institute

SF Park Parking Information Sign – 

Source: SF.Streets Blog

the effect of ramp metering on connecting 

arterials is not considered or if dynamic 

actions to manage overall demand are not 

implemented, some of the system-wide 

performance gains from the ramp metering 

system may be compromised. 
ATDM Project 

Informational Briefs

This informational brief is one of 

the ATDM briefs in the Program

category of the FHWA ATDM Brief 

Series. ATDM briefs are or will be 

available in the categories of: 

•	 ATDM Program

•	 ATDM Planning

•	 ATDM Analysis

•	 ATDM Design

•	 ATDM Operations

ATDM approaches are being considered 

and implemented all over the nation. In 

fact, several states and cities are making 

great progress. Example urban deployments include the following: Washington 

State Department of Transportation 

(WSDOT) has implemented dynamic 

ridesharing, dynamic lane use control, 

and dynamic speed limits; the San 

Francisco Municipal Transportation 

Authority (SFMTA) has implemented 

dynamic parking management in the 

downtown area; and Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) has 

implemented dynamic lane use control, 

dynamic speed limits, and priced dynamic shoulder use lanes. 

A rural application of variable speed 

limits has also been deployed by Wyoming Department of Transportation to address operations during weather events. 

Several other states have implemented 

projects or have projects or concepts 

in various stages of development which 

advance active management.

Where are ATDM approaches being implemented?

How do I get involved in the 

program?

The ATDM program is intended to support 

agencies and regions considering moving 

towards an active management approach. 

Through customized workshops, tools, 

guidance documents, resources, and 

peer exchanges, the program can assist 

with technical support to implement ATDM 

strategies. 

Importantly, ATDM is not an exclusive 

program restricted to specific agencies. 

Every agency that is considering moving 

towards active and dynamic capabilities 

can benefit from the ATDM program’s 

efforts. 

What are some ongoing 

activities in this program?

The U.S. Department of Transportation 

(U.S.DOT) is advancing the development 

of guidance, planning, case studies, 

and research in the application and 

design of active transportation and 

demand management approaches. In 

addition, the ATDM program will provide 

lessons learned, standards, and best 

practices on key underlying ATDM 

planning, evaluation, analysis techniques 

and design elements that serve as a 

foundation for ATDM implementation. 

ATDM Program Brief: An Introduction to Active Transportation and Demand Management

For more information:

Bob Sheehan

Robert.Sheehan@dot.gov

(202) 366-6817

Jim Hunt

Jim.Hunt@dot.gov

(717) 221-4422

James Colyar

James.Colyar@dot.gov

(360) 753-9408

Greg Jones

GregM.Jones@dot.gov

(404) 562-3906

Minnesota DOT Dynamically Priced 

High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes – 

Source: U.S. DOT

Wyoming DOT Variable Speed Limits 

(VSL) – Source: Wyoming DOT

Dynamic Ridesharing Application 

(in use on Seattle SR520) – Source: iTunes 

Application Store

FHWA-HOP-12-032

JUNE 2012