Many traditional neighborhoods already incorporate many principles of TOD, such as walkable communities centered on Metro-North and LIRR stations in Westchester County. Upgrading these communities without creating displacement will result in a more sustainable urban form.
TOD can reduce transportation costs disproportionately impacting low and moderate income households, thus freeing up income for food and other essential expenses.
Transportation
Communities that develop homes, businesses and public spaces within 1/4 to 1/2 miles (400 to 800 m) of transit stations that support walking and cycling access make it easier for people to access what they need – whether jobs, services or family. This can promote economic development locally as well as enhance health outcomes while increasing property values.
TOD can also benefit low-income households by reducing transportation costs, freeing up more of their household budget for essentials like food and education costs. Inclusive TODs are critical components of long-term sustainability, equity and shared prosperity within cities.
TOD can also assist local governments in funding new transit, particularly as federal funding capacity becomes severely constrained. One method to do this is through “value capture,” in which public agencies use some or all of the increase in real estate value created by transit to invest back into it as capital investments in transit projects.
Housing
Transit-oriented development (TOD) seeks to construct mixed-use communities near public transportation nodes that are within walking distance – often within walking distance – for maximum transit use. Such communities, commonly known as transit villages or walkable neighborhoods, are designed with features to maximize transit use like narrow streets and reduced parking spaces.
TOD projects help meet the demand for affordable housing near transit, which is especially essential in regions with lower income households that must spend a greater proportion of their budget on household costs such as food and transportation. When properly implemented, TOD can also reduce energy use and pollution while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
TOD can take many forms, from new buildings with ground-floor retail and ground lease retail spaces, multifamily subsidized housing units and community facilities like parks and schools. MTA is working in collaboration with local partners like the Town of Babylon on creating TOD developments repurposing former surface lots near LIRR Westbury Station into walkable neighborhoods that generate revenue to support future transit improvements while simultaneously improving customer amenities.
Employment
Dense mixed use areas within walking distance of transit stations allow communities to grow faster while decreasing the land dedicated to automobiles. Offices, shops, cultural institutions, and housing are typically found here which attract both residents and non-residents, providing people with easy access to destinations without needing cars.
Arlington County, Virginia’s government is encouraging transit-oriented development on many of its rapid transit corridors by encouraging urban villages – high density neighborhoods that feature walkability – within 1/4 to 1/2 miles from Washington Metro stations.
The Town of Babylon recently joined forces with Gotham Organization to transform an underutilized surface lot into a pedestrian-oriented, transit-serving neighborhood adjacent to LIRR Westbury Station. This project will bring new homes – income-restricted units included – as well as community retail to enhance experience of those using station. Several studies have shown how equitable transit-oriented development can improve labor market outcomes for low-skilled workers living in communities without access to economic opportunity.
Community
Instead of the sprawling development associated with suburban growth, TOD centers its development around transit stations and public service areas such as bus stops or train stations. TOD often includes commercial, cultural and residential uses that are within walking distance from these public service areas as well as pedestrian-friendly designs that make transit stations the focal points.
TOD fosters compact urban growth while discouraging sprawl, leading to decreased dependence on automobiles, decreased exposure to toxic fumes, shorter commutes and healthier lifestyles for individuals without needing their cars for exercise, socialization or shopping. It provides more choices for exercising, socializing and shopping all without the need for driving!
CDM Smith’s Harber notes that successfully planning TOD requires collaboration among various stakeholders. Successful TOD planning teams typically include urban planners and engineers, architects, landscape architects, brownfield specialists, community involvement professionals and developers; but perhaps most crucial of all to TOD planning teams is involvement from residents themselves who should have an opportunity to express their needs and preferences as part of the process.