An effective TOD design increases sustainable transit ridership, revitalizes neighborhoods, enhances regional competitiveness and enhances quality of life; all while mitigating economic, social and environmental costs associated with sprawl.
TOD locations tend to command higher property values due to the proximity of services, as well as reduced automobile and parking costs.
Creating Walkable Neighborhoods
Transit-oriented development (TOD), an emerging trend that creates vibrant livable neighborhoods through transit-oriented development (TOD) is rapidly taking root across America. TOD communities boast walkable streets centered on high quality rail systems and offer an alternative lifestyle than that dominated by automobiles for too long in urban America.
TOD is founded on the idea that housing, offices, and retail should be concentrated near transit stations where they are most needed, creating efficient subcenters while limiting sprawl. This approach forms part of both Smart Growth and New Urbanism movements.
To create true TOD neighborhoods, land use clustering and mix must be combined with nonmotorized transportation improvements and neighborhood amenities to encourage residents to own fewer cars, drive less frequently, rely more heavily on transit, walking cycling and carsharing; all of which will lead to reduced vehicle travel, energy consumption and emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases; studies show that households in TOD neighborhoods emit 43% fewer transport GHGs than the regional average.
Creating Livable Communities
Many communities across the nation are exploring novel approaches to managing density, housing and transportation in order to create more livable neighborhoods. Transit oriented development (TOD) centers residential, commercial and recreational activity around efficient public transport options that reduce congestion while improving air quality while connecting people to jobs and services; per capita traffic casualty rates tend to be 50-75% lower in TOD than conventional automobile-dependent areas.
TOD supports compact city development that combats suburban sprawl and car dependency while making walking easier and more pleasant. TOD also promotes a sustainable transportation system by capitalizing on public transit investments to encourage travel modes shift from cars to buses and trains that produce less harmful emissions.
TOD seeks to involve residents in planning and development decisions to enhance livability objectives such as choice, affordability and reduced automobile traffic. TOD also strives to reduce land allocated for vehicle parking by designing communities with higher densities as well as providing quality pedestrian and bicycle facilities at transit stations based on Universal Design principles.
Creating a Sustainable Environment
Transit-oriented development (TOD) goals can have a dramatic effect on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation. A comprehensive approach includes providing access to sustainable mobility options, encouraging walkable neighborhoods and cultivating higher standards of living and working while minimizing urban sprawl and expanding inclusive job access.
Communities featuring high quality walking and cycling infrastructure as well as parking management can support non-commuting modes, according to research by the Center for Neighborhood Technology. They found that households in TOD neighborhoods emit 43% fewer transport greenhouse gas emissions compared with those living in automobile-dependent communities.
TOD planning requires integrated land use and transportation planning with the goal of creating compact, mixed-use communities centered on high quality public transit. This may involve integrating transit station locations with amenities and various housing types within half-mile range of a transit stop; additionally it should feature high quality pedestrian/cycling facilities based on Universal Design principles as well as traffic-calming measures.
Creating Healthy Communities
TOD can decrease per capita motor vehicle travel and can enhance livability and social cohesion through creating new choices for residents and businesses alike. Furthermore, TOD increases access to jobs, affordable housing options and health services for low-income households.
TOD planning principles emphasize integrating living spaces, offices, shops and civic facilities into walkable neighborhoods with top-of-the-line public transit options – such as new urban rail transit stations or suburban neighborhoods built around buses or other forms of mass transportation.
TOD can refer to zoning rules and policies that promote compact, mixed-use projects with higher density (sometimes known as transit-supportive development ) within walking distance of bus stops or other forms of public transport, and within pedestrian reach. Livability in TOD communities can also be improved through improving street design to make them safer and more pedestrian friendly; for example streets should be designed to minimize traffic congestion while providing safe crossings; TOD should also incorporate strategies to make transit accessible for people with disabilities.