Transit-oriented development (TOD) refers to the creation of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods near public transit stations. TOD increases ridership on public transportation services while decreasing car traffic and pollution levels; providing more housing options; and supporting economic vitality.

Local governments should include TOD goals, policies, and guidelines in their comprehensive plans and subarea plans. Click here for examples from Washington State local government planning departments of such goals, policies, and guidelines related to TOD development.

Creating Place Value

An increasing number of cities are taking steps to develop around their transit stations in order to shorten commute times, make public transit financially sustainable and create vibrant neighborhoods. These neighborhoods feature higher density land uses with various housing choices connected by safe pedestrian networks for maximum convenience and safety.

TOD allows residents to live, shop, run errands and work without the need for a car. TOD also provides affordable housing solutions suitable for all income levels.

TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) offers an attractive alternative to sprawling developments that consume vast swaths of open space while creating significant traffic congestion. TOD can also improve existing transit systems’ performance and help attract private investments in local communities; but successful TOD requires analysis of three value drivers: transit connectivity, quality of urban environment and market potential in any neighborhood being planned as TOD development sites; this must include carefully selecting land uses with appropriate balance of density and height to maximize benefits from TOD development projects.

Maximizing Transit Investments

TOD works by clustering housing, jobs and services around transit stations to increase their catchment area value and make public transport an appealing alternative for commuters and residents, decreasing car ownership and energy use while simultaneously decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and creating healthy neighborhoods with easy access to shops, green space and entertainment options.

TOD can bolster local economies and create jobs, making it a worthy investment for businesses. Furthermore, TOD activities may reduce disaster risks by targeting activities towards areas less vulnerable.

TOD can foster economic mobility for low-income people, offering them the chance to move up the economic ladder and enjoy improved quality of life. However, for equitable implementation it must include an inclusive process and strategies which protect affordable housing while protecting vulnerable communities from displacement while encouraging community participation. Take a look at FTA’s Pilot Program for TOD Planning as a way of including engagement into your TOD projects.

Creating a More Livable City

TOD creates vibrant neighborhoods where everything people require – homes, jobs, shops and services, parks and recreation – can be reached on foot via public transit. It is an efficient solution that supports resident health by decreasing dependence on cars while simultaneously stimulating local economies.

TOD promotes walkable communities and encourages individuals to adopt active lifestyles that can improve cardiovascular and respiratory health, and lower obesity rates. Cutting car trips also means lower air pollution levels and more sustainable urban environments.

TOD projects often include affordable housing for both senior citizens and affordable housing for low-income individuals, which helps address inequality and social inclusion issues. Furthermore, TODs are developed using equitable processes that involve community participation and engagement; this enables people to support sustainable transportation policies while taking ownership over their futures and ensure equitable outcomes – for more information please see MTA TOD Design Guidelines.

Creating Equity

TODs cluster jobs, homes and services around high quality public transit stations to make cities more liveable and productive by decreasing car dependence. Communities surrounding transit stations are walkable communities connected to shops, services and green spaces with a strong network of bicycle lanes surrounding them – this reduces carbon footprint, congestion and productivity issues while strengthening communities with healthy ties between neighbors.

TOD can unintentionally disproportionately harm those and places with the greatest need for access to affordable housing, healthy food, and employment. New residents can drive up rents and property values in surrounding areas, driving out those who called it home prior to infrastructure investments and displaceing small businesses that cannot compete against newer competitors.

Community and economic development practitioners should collaborate with transit agencies and developers in order to foster more equitable projects through TOD development, including finding ways to maximize transportation assets of a project while supporting land use/zoning changes that prioritize affordability.