Home >> A Look at TMAs >> TMA Characteristics > Operational Characteristics

What do TMAs do? How do they function? The transportation needs and problems of TMAs differ. As such, the duties and operations of TMAs will differ as well. Unlike other organizations, TMAs are not managed according to a standard "rule book". It is up to the individual TMA to choose its goals, services, and other operational elements. It is this flexibility that make TMAs effective at dealing with transportation issues.

Goals | Services | Income Source | Dues | Personnel

TMA Goals

The goals of TMAs vary, depending on the problems experienced in the TMA's service area. Most TMAs have goals that are aligned with the transportation needs of the area. Those that don't usually disband. Some TMA goals are more common than others [23]. The most common goal is to reduce traffic congestion/improve travel. Other identified goals include:

• Promote use of alternative modes of transportation
• Improve air quality
• Economic development
• Offer commute options
• Increase quality of life
• Educate
• Act as a liaison for transportation alternative
• Increase transit
• Alleviate parking issues
• Improve existing infrastructure
• Minimize impact of land use

Services                                                                                                        top

TMAs have the unique capability to provide services that are custom tailored to the transportation needs of the area. These services are offered to members and sometimes, nonmembers. The services that a TMA chooses to provide are usually aligned with the goals of the organization.

Budget                                                                                                          top

The median range for TMAs annual budget is $150,0000-200,000. As is expected, TMA budgets will vary depending on the services and activities. For example, TMAs offering shuttle services will likely have a higher budget.

Source of Income                                                                                         top

The success of a TMA depends largely on the resources available to it. A lack of funding can limit the services that a TMA can provide and the effectiveness of these services. The TMA's income can come from a variety of sources. The following graph shows the funding sources of TMA based on information from the survey:

Dues                                                                                                             top

Almost half of the TMAs rely on membership dues as a source of income. Establishing a dues struction will ensure that the TMA will always have stable financial resources. The dues structure itself however, can vary among TMAs.

The most common dues structure is rate per number of employees. For example, the Sacramento TMA has the following dues structure for their members [23]:

Personnel                                                                                                     top

Most TMAs are managed by an executive director. The executive director has many responsibilities, which may include overseeing the daily operations of the TMA, securing funding, delivering services for members, preparing reports, creating marketing materials, coordinating meetings, and recruiting new members. Many TMAs are also supported by one full time staff person.

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