TODs feature high-density residential, retail, cultural institutions and offices within walking distance of public transit stations, encouraging residents and visitors alike to use mass transit instead of driving cars. Their compact yet mixed-use designs encourage residents and visitors alike to reduce driving and instead utilize mass transit more frequently.
Hatch works closely with local governments to brainstorm, plan and design TOD neighborhoods around rail stations. Explore our database of proposed, completed or ongoing developments near rail stations.
Increased traffic flow
Public transit planners should understand that private developers often have different perspectives and risk tolerance levels than political, administrative or planning professionals, making it essential that public transit planners work in collaboration with them.
Renne (2009) claims that successful TOD can raise property values 5-15% due to transit investments’ value uplift, reduction of per capita automobile trip generation rate, and other factors.
TODs are urban development patterns that promote public transit, walking and cycling as primary modes of transport. A typical TOD typically features high density mixed commercial/residential development within 10 minutes walking of a transit station.
Reduced traffic congestion
Road congestion is caused by demand imbalances on roadways; transit provides an effective solution to reduce vehicle count on Baltimore County roads in Owings Mills and elsewhere for an easier traffic flow experience and faster commute times for both drivers and residents alike.
Communities that prioritize transit-oriented development (TOD) provide residents and commuters easy access to shops, restaurants, green spaces, office space and entertainment options – creating economically resilient close-knit communities that promote local business success and economic resilience. TOD areas with affordable housing also combat gentrification and displacement through inclusionary zoning, community land trusts or mixed income development where market rate units subsidize low income units to ensure TOD benefits all income levels equally.
Improved air quality
TOD communities consist of walkable, mixed-use communities situated around public transit that are both affordable and vibrant, providing easy access to jobs, shopping, healthcare and entertainment while simultaneously lowering transportation costs and environmental impacts.
TODs encourage walking and bicycling for physical fitness and reduced rates of chronic diseases and obesity, helping mitigate some of the negative impacts associated with sprawl – harmful fumes and particulate matter exposure, limited physical activity opportunities, reduced access to healthy food sources, as well as mental and emotional strain.
TOD policies that maximize the benefits of public transit must be equitable; providing affordable housing near stations and streamlining approval processes, for example. TOD policies should also encourage “core riders,” or the most frequent and consistent users of transit in a community, to use public transportation for daily commuting purposes.
Reduced carbon emissions
As carbon emissions efficiency diminish with increasing urban density, it is critical to disperse urban functional structure appropriately while decreasing residential density in central areas to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance carbon absorption capabilities for more effective carbon absorption thereby lowering overall emissions.
Communities investing in transit can draw residents and businesses that create more vibrant neighborhoods with access to jobs, schools, healthcare and other essential services. Households spend less on transportation costs this way allowing more money for childcare costs, education or conventional down payments.
TODs usually feature a central transit station surrounded by high density, mixed use pedestrian land use. Furthermore, TOD can also be achieved through value capture where public infrastructure projects generate revenues to cover costs and invest in additional capacity.
Increased productivity
TODs focus on building more housing, jobs, and services near transit stations to enhance access for all residents, promote economic growth and public health benefits, reduce dependence on cars and increase resiliency during natural disasters by consolidating activities and structures into low-risk zones.
TOD has become a key strategy in urban planning, city revitalization and suburban renewal efforts, but its advantages extend far beyond these specific projects. TOD can also contribute to global energy security goals as well as climate action initiatives and social equity goals.
TOD relies on equitable and accessible transit-oriented development (eTOD). For its maximum benefits, communities must work collaboratively to ensure new homes and businesses built near transit are affordable for low and moderate income people, and remove outdated zoning/land-use restrictions to accommodate more housing near transit.