TOD communities help reduce traffic congestion, protect natural areas and promote a healthy lifestyle while increasing employment opportunities and property values.
TODs tend to focus on high-density mixed-use development within 1/4 to 1/2 mile of their nearest Metro station on both public and private land – these areas are known as transit villages.
TOD principles include WALK, CYCLE, CONNECT, TRANSIT, MIX and DENSIFY to promote smart growth around transit stations.
Transportation
TOD development centers around transit stations and other public transportation infrastructure. TOD brings housing, employment and retail amenities together within walking distance from transit services for convenient communities that don’t rely on private automobiles for transport; while also reaping economic advantages from increased ridership of transit services and property tax revenue increases.
TOD elements can already be seen in many traditional neighborhoods, such as pedestrian zones and mixed uses. Furthermore, TOD principles can also be integrated into new developments, like Jakarta’s Dukuh Atas transport hub near Sudirman Station.
TOD can be applied both in high density cities as well as smaller communities like those found throughout Westchester County in New York. Tuckahoe and Rye developed around their local train stations to create walkable neighborhoods accessible via both cars and buses.
Communities across the nation are welcoming TOD projects as revitalizing revitalizing neighborhoods, bringing businesses and jobs to new areas, drawing in younger residents, and expanding opportunities for all.
Housing
Housing is an essential necessity that directly affects economic, social and cultural opportunities. TOD communities offer a wide variety of housing solutions in walkable mixed-use neighborhoods with easy access to public transit – an advantage not available elsewhere.
TOD communities contain offices, retail shops, cultural institutions and housing within walking distance of transit stations. TOD communities encourage people to use alternative modes of transport instead of driving alone – which reduces congestion and air pollution – and help stimulate economic activity by drawing businesses to the area, creating jobs in construction and operations as well as income-restricted housing for low-income residents.
TOD (Transit-oriented development) is an increasingly common strategy in global urban areas. In the US, TOD draws upon New York city suburbs that were established along streetcar and railroad lines in the early 1900s – including Westbury and Terminal City in NYC. TOD developments are also taking shape along Calgary’s CTrain network of light rail transit (LRT).
Employment
Communities built around transit typically feature mixed uses that bring households, jobs and amenities closer together. This approach transforms urban places by decreasing car use while creating vibrant centers of activity.
TODs often comprise high-density mixed-use areas located within easy walking distance of transit stations, with lower density areas radiating out from these hubs. Their design encourages walking and cycling as safe alternatives to driving; providing safe, healthier alternatives that enhance city living.
TOD can occur in urban and rural settings, small villages and large cities alike – depending on its location. To discover TOD opportunities in the Delaware Valley region, visit DVRPC’s Smart Growth Project Database which showcases proposed and completed development projects at all rail (and some bus) stations across this region; this tool will be periodically updated.
Environment
TODs provide a viable solution to traffic congestion and urban sprawl by clustering jobs, housing and services around public transit stations. This can enhance residents’ quality of life while simultaneously decreasing emissions, fuel consumption and climate change impacts.
Building high density, walkable communities based around transit systems can help meet the challenges associated with affordable housing and inclusive job access, but TOD may prove challenging in car-dominated societies like the US.
Pace Law Center’s research library contains reports that explore innovative land use laws and regulations that promote TOD projects. One such report on Connecticut’s new Hartford BRT system highlights planning principles used to encourage smart growth at station locations of this fast-growing system; further, this report analyzes their application at regional, station area, and site levels to foster TOD success.