Transit-oriented development (TOD) is an urban planning and design approach that clusters jobs, housing and amenities around public transit stations to encourage compact urban growth and reduce dependence on cars for transportation purposes; as well as reduce congestion, air pollution and energy consumption.
TODs have the potential to revitalize neighborhoods, foster economic development and enhance regional competitiveness. At ARC we advocate for TODs which are inclusive and equitable.
Location of Transit Stations
Well-designed TODs concentrate jobs and housing near transit stations. This helps cities and regions increase sustainable transit ridership, revitalize communities, reduce sprawl and car trips, promote efficient land use and optimize overall land usage.
TOD can be achieved in many different ways. TOD principles should be integrated into local land-use planning processes and supported by specific policies. Station area design, traffic assignment/parking management strategies and street and intersection designs all play a part in TOD implementation.
Successful TOD can raise property values 5-15%, reflecting their convenient location and wide array of transportation options (Cervero and Arrington 2008; CNT 2013; Noland and Salon 2014). In addition, TOD helps avoid expensive, ineffective highway expansion projects with associated environmental costs that often end up happening anyway.
TOD neighborhoods often consist of an assortment of housing types, from single-family detached houses and townhouses, through townhouses and duplexes to apartments above stores – providing different households of different sizes and income levels with access to transit via walking paths nearby, thus decreasing auto dependence while simultaneously expanding diversity among their community members.
Concentration of Jobs and Housing Around Transit Stations
Recently, building dense residential and commercial development near subways, rail lines, or high-capacity bus routes has become a trend in many localities. This strategy appeals to environmentalists looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; urban planners looking to promote walkable neighborhoods; and housing activists searching for more affordable places to reside.
TOD projects reduce car usage while simultaneously centering economic activities around transit stations to minimize sprawl. Because property values near transit stations tend to rise over time, they also generate tax revenues for cash-strapped local governments.
However, many localities face formidable barriers when it comes to implementing TOD. A recent study by the Regional Plan Association discovered that 67% of commuter rail stations are in communities with restrictive zoning that is dominated by single-family homes – thus only 39% have zones which permit high density development.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access to Transit Stations
Locating housing, jobs and services near a high capacity transit line can reduce travel costs, boost economic competitiveness and enhance health outcomes. To reap all its advantages of transit-oriented development (TOD), pedestrian and bicycle connections must be incorporated into TOD plans so as to maximize its benefits.
Pedestrian and bicycle collisions occur more often near transit stations than any other locations within cities, according to this study. Improving sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities around stations may reduce these incidents; additionally, an effective bicycle network could extend beyond its initial walkshed to bring customers even further away from transit stations.
Secure bicycle parking at stations and improving bike navigation options on the MTA trip planner may increase cycling to public transportation stops/stations, often at less cost than providing parking for cars. FTA also has a program which encourages recipients of Federal funds to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle projects in their planning decisions.
Public Spaces and Amenities
Redeveloping communities around transit stations and corridors provides people with numerous ways to commute without needing their car, run errands, play sports and recreation activities, meet daily needs without an automobile, as well as provide affordable housing, community spaces, reduced air pollution/noise emissions, more attractive environments, reduced pollution/noise emission levels. TOD projects must also be community driven if they are to create vibrant, sustainable and equitable communities.
Communities can ensure TOD success through adopting policies or zoning codes which promote TOD by offering incentives such as zoning bonuses or relaxing requirements for building near transit stops and stations; supporting affordable housing developments; encouraging fitness-oriented public space amenities that benefit residents; or offering other support mechanisms like grants.
TOD can be applied in urban, suburban and rural environments and provides economic advantages to their surroundings while strengthening relationships between people in local communities and residents themselves. Achieve TOD requires collaboration among private developers, land owners/financiers/transit operators/government.