Accessibility

The ability to reach a location; a way or means of approach (6)

Capacity

The volume of vehicles the road was designed to carry; can also be applied to transit or bicycle/pedestrian paths

Intermodal

The integration of various modes in a whole transportation system or facility (5)

Mobility

The ability to move or be moved (6)

Traffic Calming

Measures to reduce the negative effects of vehicles, and improve conditions for walking or bicycling. A familiar example is the orange barrels with the warning to stop for pedestrians.

Traffic Model

A traffic model is a tool for representing and analyzing the major ways people get around. Usually this tool is a software package which incorporates a road network, land use data, and a mathematical formula to distribute and route trips. Models can include a variety of modes although in smaller areas, such as the Berkshires, they usually only include trips in private vehicles. The model is calibrated to existing traffic counts. Then it can be used to forecast traffic and test the effect of changes in the road network.

Travel Demand Management (TDM)

TDM is a combination of strategies or actions whose goal is to encourage travelers to use alternatives to driving alone. TDM strategies may be developed for a single work site, specific corridor, or area. (2)

Travel System Management (TSM)

TSM is a combination of low-cost strategies that use a total approach to transportation system management. The goal is to shift emphasis from expanding capacity to making better use of existing transportation systems. (2)

Travel Time

The time it takes to travel door-to-door (5) limited access

Vehicle Miles of Travel (VMT)

The sum of all the miles traveled by vehicles (not people) in a specified amount of time

Volume

The number of vehicles that actually pass through a given mile of road; can also be applied to transit or bicycle/pedestrian paths.

1. Transportation Demand Management/Transportation Management Association Program Guidelines for FFY 1999. (Boston: EOTC, 1998)
2. Summary of Travel Trends from 1990 National Personal Transportation Survey (Washington DC: Federal Highway Administration, 1992)
3. Talking the Talk: A Guide to the Language of Transportation Planning (St. Louis, MO: East-West Gateway Coordinating Council, 1992)
4. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary on line version (http://earl.bess.net/cgi-bin/Dictionary), 5/12/99.