FY2026 Work Program

Manage the work of the seven Southeastern PA TMAs and two contractors that work with employers to educate them about and help implement commute alternatives programs for employees, and with residents to educate them about alternative travel options available to them for different types of trips. This work is done to reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles (SOV) in the region, ultimately serving to help alleviate traffic congestion and improve accessibility to a variety of safe and affordable modes of travel in the region. Work includes educational offerings, promotional materials, and relevant services and programming within specific service areas through the tasks listed below.

This program, now known as TripSmart PA, allows for a broader education and outreach effort beyond just commuters. Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) and other related partners in southeastern Pennsylvania have helped promote Transportation Demand Management (TDM) options and programs for nearly three decades, previously in the form of two grants funded by PennDOT – the TMA Assistance Grant (one available to all TMAs in PA), and the Mobility Alternatives Program (MAP) grant (available only in SE PA). In FY2023, DVRPC and PennDOT developed a new TDM grant program that combines these two “legacy” grants into one new “base” TDM grant for each organization previously funded through one or both of the legacy grants; this work program continues that structure for FY2026.

Each organization has been awarded a given amount of funding to perform ongoing TDM-related activities like education and outreach on TDM options, implementing TDM strategies, and promoting the advantages for employers, employees, and residents to regularly use these strategies or options. DVRPC will contract with and oversee annual scope development and approval for each subrecipient receiving these grants. DVRPC staff also works closely with each respective county planning department(s) -- in addition to PennDOT (Central Office and District 6) and FHWA -- in this development, as well as in tracking progress and sharing the results from subrecipient efforts.

This program area supports DVRPC staff resources for planning, marketing, procurement, as well as funding to lease software for and manage the regional Share-A-Ride (SAR) ride match service and the Emergency Ride Home (ERH) programs, which are regional tools promoted by all the subrecipients. This program also covers the development of necessary materials, planning and purchasing media schedules through a contracted vendor, and tools to help contractors promote TDM with a unified message and look in the SE PA region. 

Note that in FY2026, some TMA activities and programs may be specific to TDM needs related to the 250th anniversary of America's founding in the Philadelphia region, as well as other 2026 attractions being held here, like the FIFA World Cup games and the MLB All-Star game.

This program is part of the larger coordinated regional TDM effort that includes the Travel Options Program (TOP) competitive grant program. Completion of this work may require the purchase of materials, supplies, and other services. 

1. Work with TMAs/Contractors to develop scopes and Work Programs for TripSmart PA TDM efforts.
2. Convene the PA TMA Policy Subcommittee of the Regional TDM Advisory Committee at least twice/year.
3. Ensure this work involves outreach to both employers and the general commuting public.
4. Oversee TMA/Contractor TDM education and outreach efforts and development, and placement of relevant materials; encourage cooperative efforts whenever possible.
5. Operation of the Share-A-Ride (SAR) ride match program, including annual software lease and activity reports.
6. Review and payment of monthly or quarterly invoices and reports for each of nine sub-recipients, and FY-end summaries.

1. Contractor Work Programs.
2. Contracts for/with each organization.
3. Regional outreach and advertising plans and materials, as needed/requested. Possible efforts specifically related to major activities in the Philadelphia region in CY2026.
4. SAR software lease and updates; ERH program administration (including processing reimbursements for approved use).
5. Bi-annual activity summaries and year-end report.

Residents and employers within and/or commuters travelling within or into the SE PA region; municipalities, counties or combination thereof; related county planning commissions/departments; PennDOT.