Transit-oriented development (TOD) is an urban planning technique that concentrates jobs, homes and services near public transit stations to promote walking, bicycling and public transit use and create more vibrant, livable communities.
Studies that address the psychological repercussions of TOD tend to focus on travel satisfaction as an indicator of subjective well-being and life satisfaction.
Transportation
Housing, businesses and public spaces located around transit stations create vibrant communities while stimulating local economic activity. By decreasing personal car usage and air pollution levels, this development helps reduce reliance on personal vehicles while increasing productivity and mitigating disaster risks.
TOD (Transit-Oriented Developments) refers to areas surrounding public transportation systems such as light rail transit (LRT), subways, major bus lines, or ferry terminals that feature high levels of walkability with mixed land uses and increased density that caters towards pedestrian-friendly design – similar to town centers which developed along streetcar and railway lines in early New York City or urban villages that are springing up in Westchester County.
TOD areas can be tailored to meet a wide range of community needs, from metropolitan regions to historic small towns and neighborhoods. The aim is to maximize transit benefits for people, places, planet and profits while protecting rural/natural areas.
Employment
TODs provide economic development by clustering jobs, housing and amenities near transit stations. These centralized, walkable areas encourage compact development by decreasing dependence on cars – increasing transit ridership while simultaneously decreasing congestion and air pollution levels.
TODs provide access to jobs for residents at all income levels. When cities capture some of this land value and allocate it towards affordable housing solutions, TODs can help address housing crises in global cities while simultaneously creating sustainable inclusive growth.
TODs are an invaluable asset of the overall transportation system and should be integrated into community planning strategies to facilitate efficient, equitable mobility for all. TODs can be tailored to suit diverse community needs ranging from dense urban centers to historic small-town centers; Westchester County currently features TODs that surround existing rail stations in Tuckahoe, Rye and Chappaqua while future S-Line stations may require the addition of other TODs as well.
Housing
Attracting and retaining residents and workers requires creating vibrant, complete communities near transit. One way of accomplishing this goal is through offering housing solutions that are both cost-effective and integrated with public transit systems.
TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) is an approach to development that concentrates jobs, housing and services within walking distance of transit stations. Most TOD communities tend to be of moderate to high density; new builds or redeveloped can both qualify as TODs.
TOD can be tailored to reflect local values and context, such as preserving small-town character, supporting economic growth or repurposing vacant and underutilized sites. TOD also offers solutions for pressing urban issues like congestion, environmental sustainability and housing affordability and availability.
Environment
TOD encourages compact city growth that encourages walking, bicycling and public transit use – helping people avoid the expense and inconvenience of driving their own car, reduce exposure to harmful fumes and traffic congestion and provide better housing options while creating greater economic development potential.
TOD communities can be distinguished by reduced vehicle kilometers traveled, an increased proportion of trips made via walking and transit, an array of housing, offices, shops, cultural institutions, parks and open space as well as increased land value – benefits which contribute to healthier lifestyles, higher productivity and greater net economic contributions to cities, states and nations alike.
TOD is an individualized strategy, and its goals may differ depending on its context and location. Hatch works closely with local governments to develop TOD plans tailored specifically for their communities – like along the S-Line corridor where goals and recommendations were tailored specifically to each partner community’s needs.