Transit-oriented development (TOD), is an innovative form of urban planning which integrates urban renewal with walkable neighborhoods and provides exciting places around public transit stations while helping reduce dependence on automobiles.
TODs (Transit Oriented Developments) are dense mixed-use communities located within one quarter to half mile of Washington Metro rapid transit stations such as Rosslyn, Ballston and Clarendon in Arlington County, Virginia.
Walkable Communities
Walkable communities are appealing neighborhoods that provide residents with healthier and more affordable lifestyle options as well as increased social connections. Their goal is to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and encourage people to use public transit, walking or cycling to access local and citywide resources.
Communities centered around public transit stops often consist of high-density mixed-use developments located within walking distance, featuring residential, office, retail and recreation uses.
Pedestrian safety is of utmost concern in these areas, and streets are designed with them in mind. Narrower streets with lower traffic speeds help safeguard pedestrians.
TOD communities often include green spaces that allow urban dwellers to relax and socialize, which is especially essential in dense cities where residents need respite from traffic noise and air pollution. Integrating green space into TOD communities is crucial to their livability and sustainability.
Economic Development
TODs combine housing and retail into walkable neighborhoods near high-quality transit stations. TODs foster vibrant communities while also increasing transit ridership, decreasing car traffic pollution levels, and supporting local economic development efforts.
TOD may be perceived as an effective strategy for increasing urban density, but it can also help rehabilitate low-density neighborhoods and even revive suburban areas. Projects using TOD to do just this involve reclaiming and redeveloping vacant or underutilized land – such as parking lots or buildings which remain empty – into walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods which are both vibrant and sustainable.
TOD makes sound financial sense. TOD projects can generate recurring revenue for transit operations while opening financing through federal RRIF and TIFIA programs. Furthermore, TOD investments provide the best opportunity to ensure new transit investments are sustainable and financially sound; Congress should prioritize TOD as part of their surface transportation bill while seeking legislative reform of these two programs in order to guarantee new transit systems will last and serve their community for years.
Environmental Benefits
Many communities enforce restrictive land-use and zoning restrictions that preclude new housing and walkable, mixed-use development near transit stations, which undercuts their investment value – transit works best when connecting people and locations together.
Development of neighborhoods, shopping centers, office parks and other commercial and residential spaces within easy walking distance of transit stations has a number of environmental advantages, such as reduced car traffic and congestion; carbon emissions reduction; provision of healthier environments for recreation and exercise activities; as well as promotion of sustainable land use practices.
Integrating affordable housing that is priced equitably near transit is also crucial to drawing in core ridership, who tend to be lower and moderate-income residents. Transit oriented development (TOD) that does not prioritize equity will not increase transit usage and may lead to gentrification; by including equitable development strategies in their TOD strategy, long-term sustainability, economic prosperity, equity and community health for all are more likely to be realized.
Health Benefits
Communities across the nation are witnessing a shift toward living that places less dependence on cars and more focus on walking, bicycling and public transit – known as transit-oriented development (TOD). TOD encompasses dense mixed-use neighborhoods built around high quality train systems.
TOD areas typically consist of various housing types, businesses, cultural institutions and community spaces in close proximity to transit stations, creating an inviting and comfortable walking environment that attracts commuters to public transit while helping reduce driving.
TOD can also promote healthy lifestyles by encouraging walking, bicycling, and transit ridership. Such urban development can reduce stress levels, improve health outcomes, and build city resilience against natural disasters. To maximize its benefits it’s crucial that it is integrated with equitable development strategies including affordable housing; otherwise it may disproportionately benefit wealthier residents while leaving low-income residents out.