TOD encompasses regional planning, city revitalization, suburban renewal and walkable neighborhoods all at the same time. Communities benefit when homes and businesses are constructed near high frequency transit services with pedestrian pathways connecting them directly to jobs, shops, schools and cultural destinations.
Discover TOD planning approaches and principles at the regional, station area and site levels through an engaging interactive digital experience. Discover TOD concepts as well as a model ordinance through a fun digital journey!
Increased Transit Ridership
Location close to transit stations with high-quality pedestrian and bicycle connections can increase access to destinations while decreasing per capita auto travel, decreasing congestion, parking costs and pollution (Cervero and Arrington 2008; CNT 2010).
Density of neighborhoods and residents’ mode selection are critical elements in determining transit ridership. Research demonstrates that households in TOD neighborhoods drive 44% less than their counterparts in auto-dependent communities, saving an estimated annual total of 512 gallons of fuel and $1,400 on gasoline expenses.
Residential densities of TOD can range from 3-6 units/acre to over 25 per acre. Their mix of uses, from office and retail along main streets to apartments on top floors, can vary significantly. As well as offering diverse housing choices, TOD can also address affordability issues by encouraging transit-oriented affordable developments; this may be accomplished using various strategies, such as creating a zone or land use plan requiring certain percentage of affordable units be built within each TOD development, or “value capture” through property taxes or local improvement districts (LIDs).
Economic Development
Transit-oriented development generates increased land value that allows cities to generate additional tax revenue that can be reinvested back into their communities for improvements to transit systems, affordable housing projects and initiatives that promote sustainable inclusive growth. This additional funding could go toward new transit investments or affordable housing initiatives – potentially benefiting all aspects of inclusive growth.
Concentrating jobs, housing and services near transit stations increases economic productivity through agglomeration effects while simultaneously decreasing commute times and energy usage. TOD strategies have been successfully implemented on a city-scale in places such as Stockholm, Copenhagen and Hong Kong SAR.
TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) communities are compact, mixed-use communities located close to transit facilities that feature exciting people places and high quality walking environments, providing city planners, developers and residents a valuable tool for implementing smart growth principles, meeting market demands and realizing environmental and economic benefits of sustainability in neighborhoods. Equity TOD efforts aim to reach low-income and marginalized populations through targeted strategies designed to support TOD development within their neighborhoods.
Environmental Benefits
Research supports the hypothesis that transit-oriented development (TOD) increases transit ridership by drawing people into dense, mixed-use communities near train stations that provide diverse housing options and are designed for walking, bicycling and public transit use.
TOD decreases automobile reliance, thus decreasing greenhouse gasses and land consumption while creating a more sustainable urban environment. By encouraging an active, balanced lifestyle for residents, TOD can also benefit their health.
TOD projects come in all shapes and sizes – from new mixed-use neighborhoods built around high-quality rail systems, to the transformation of former warehouses or parking lots into vibrant public spaces with housing, shops and restaurants. However, in order for TOD initiatives to achieve equitable outcomes they must include strategies designed to preserve and expand affordable housing stock while not displace current residents, connect low-income households to job opportunities, support local businesses as well as ensure equitable results – an alternative approach which offers greater control than simply “building it and they will come”. Equitable TOD expansion offers greater control and fairer results than expansion alone.
Health Benefits
Residents living in TOD neighborhoods benefit from leading healthy, active lives, with convenient access to restaurants, stores, and other commercial conveniences in neighborhood centers.
TOD projects also help unleash economic development potential, boost local and regional mobility, promote sustainability, increase housing affordability and community health benefits – but should always be approached with equity measures in mind to avoid dislodging low-income households or forcing them further away from jobs and services.
TOD seeks to maximize the advantages of mass transportation by creating communities around it, encouraging people to use public transit, bike sharing services, walking and ride-share vehicles instead of their personal cars. Furthermore, TOD also enhances safety and accessibility in surrounding areas by making streets pedestrian friendly while decreasing auto traffic; increasing density will boost walkability, create sense of community and add value for real estate investments.