Transit Oriented Development, or TOD, is the latest trend in creating engaging people places centered around high quality train systems. TOD is quickly sweeping the nation and offering residents opportunities for a simpler and lower stress life that relies less on cars for transportation. Furthermore, TOD neighborhoods greatly reduce automobile travel emissions.

TOD (Transit Oriented Development) is an emerging concept that marries regional planning, city revitalization and suburban renewal into one comprehensive concept. It involves the creation of walkable neighborhoods offering shopping, dining and residential living options close to public transit stations while offering various services nearby. Cities, states and national agencies across the United States have begun adopting TOD as an urban design solution to alleviate traffic congestion, climate change and oil dependence issues.

Development of TOD requires an intricate collaboration between various participants from disparate world views and interests – regional and local elected officials and planners, professional technicians of various disciplines, developers and investors, people attached to car-dependent suburban lifestyles as well as residents and community groups from communities undergoing densification projects – in order to succeed.

The MTA’s TOD team offers guidance to property owners looking to develop TOD sites that increase customer access and convenience to MTA services. The team assists property owners in complying with requirements set out by Zoning Resolution; offers information about floor area bonuses available for subway entrance upgrades; and advises on other planning matters.