TOD refers to the development of housing, businesses and public spaces around transit stations that encourage people to use mass transportation rather than driving themselves. TOD also reduces automobile traffic congestion while improving access to jobs and services while supporting local economic activity.
TOD can be found both in small villages and large cities, and currently takes place at numerous rail (and some bus) stations throughout the region.
Walkable Communities
Walkable communities can be defined as areas in which all daily necessities, including jobs, schools, healthcare services, shops and social opportunities, can be reached within walking distance and safely and comfortably. Usually this requires density in development which can only be accomplished with an integrated transit-oriented development (TOD) plan.
Walking communities provide many advantages, including decreased risks for obesity and associated health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Socially, they foster inter-generational connections among residents that promotes relationship-building between generations.
Walkable neighborhoods must be welcoming environments for all people, ensuring low-income residents and non-traditional families can access the services offered within. To achieve this goal, communities with walkable features should provide multiple housing options – duplexes or townhomes in addition to single family houses – in order to promote accessibility.
Environmental Benefits
TOD plans are essential tools in communities’ ability to develop in ways that minimize traffic congestion, conserve natural areas and provide affordable housing. Engaging the entire community around transit projects can ensure successful TOD planning that leads to local economic activity, social interaction and improved safety for all residents.
TOD planning often results in households decreasing their dependence on personal vehicles, thus decreasing carbon dioxide emissions and other pollution in urban environments. More people using public transit or walking to get around also reduces congestion while providing safer travel for everyone involved.
TODs can be particularly successful in areas with high-capacity transit systems like rapid bus or rail networks. TOD is often built around stations and features residential, retail, office and service destinations centered on them; its density varies depending on each area’s individual needs and context. VISION 2050 encourages municipalities and counties to use comprehensive planning processes as an opportunity to establish TOD guidelines and integrate station area plans into development standards.
Economic Benefits
Communities can increase employment, retail sales, housing options near transit, and environmental sustainability by centering growth around these locations. Doing so also helps reduce vehicle usage on local roads while mitigating environmental effects while supporting economic development in urban areas.
TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) is an exciting trend centered on creating vibrant, walkable communities built around high quality public transportation systems. TOD encourages compact city growth by accommodating more people in less space while eliminating the need for personal vehicles such as cars and encouraging residents and workers alike to utilize public transit for transport purposes.
TOD can be an effective means of addressing affordability in neighborhoods with frequent transit when community members participate in its planning and their preferences are considered. VISION 2050 urges communities to establish TOD guidelines with affordable housing opportunities near transit stations (MPP-RC-8). Tax increment financing along transit corridors may help cover costs related to maintaining or building affordable homes or businesses within TOD developments.
Social Benefits
Walkable communities near quality public transit foster compact city growth by countering sprawl and making it possible to live, work, shop and visit without using a car. They also promote healthy lifestyles while decreasing exposure to pollutants such as traffic congestion.
Communities are increasingly exploring strategies for growth and development along high-capacity transit corridors. To promote such strategies, VISION 2050 (DP-Action-8) encourages communities with existing or planned light rail or other forms of transit systems to create station area plans.
TOD plans can include development of affordable housing near transit to ensure access to new services and facilities in their neighborhoods, taking advantage of low-income housing tax credits or city or regional trust funds dedicated to affordable housing. TOD plans also often feature clustering residential, retail, office space, entertainment, civic uses around stations to create inviting public spaces that provide health, environmental, economic benefits.