Westchester County boasts many TODs that center their communities around local train stations for easy access and lifestyle options for residents.
TODs typically comprise high density mixed use areas located within 1/4 to 1/2 miles from a central transit station, giving residents more convenience to their work and social activities.
Enhanced Transit Ridership
TODs create vibrant neighborhoods that draw residents, workers, shoppers and visitors – helping local businesses prosper as a result. In addition, this increased activity allows communities to provide essential services and programs such as education and health care services.
TOD communities typically are situated within 1/4 to 1/2 mile (400-800 m) of transit stops and feature various housing types and price levels as well as mixed uses like bikeshare programs and pedestrian friendly streets.
By making public transportation easy to access, residents are more likely to use it on a regular basis – saving low-income households money in car ownership costs while freeing up funds for food, healthcare, housing needs and other essentials.
TODs come in all shapes and sizes. From suburban towns built along streetcar or rail lines in the late 1800s to TOD neighborhoods such as Wyandanch Station TOD in New York City with 300 residential units and a community center – TOD development can be attributed to innovative partnerships that combine transportation planning with land use planning.
Increased Job Opportunities
Transit agencies frequently struggle to generate sufficient fare revenue to cover operating costs and fund new projects, and TOD can assist by maximising housing opportunities near transit stations or lines.
TOD projects typically combine residential, commercial and community amenities within walking distance from public transit – such as retail space, offices and cultural institutions – into cohesive communities which help reduce sprawl while creating high-quality walking environments. Living without a car becomes not only possible but enjoyable.
Low-income households can particularly benefit from TOD as it helps lower transportation costs and allows more of their budget to go toward other necessities like food and education. Furthermore, TOD may include affordable housing solutions.
Increased Property Value
Neighborhoods surrounding transit stations tend to experience higher property values due to rising demand, which often results from planning departments allowing greater density within the area and due to many people opting to use public transportation when traveling to these destinations.
TODs increase both availability and affordability of housing within communities. TODs often feature a mix of land uses including offices, retail stores, cultural institutions and housing – in some cases all three at once! TOD communities tend to be smaller than traditional built up areas, usually featuring a central transit station surrounded by high density residential, commercial or office areas.
Example: At the Westbury station of Long Island’s LIRR, an abandoned surface lot has been transformed into an exciting neighborhood that includes low to mid-rise apartments and public plaza space – providing an opportunity to repurpose excess property while simultaneously increasing recurring revenues for transit agencies while improving customer experiences.