1.3 Transit-oriented development

Transit-oriented development is a sustainable urban planning approach that creates compact, mixed-use neighborhoods around public transit hubs. It aims to reduce car dependency, increase transit use, and foster walkable communities, ultimately minimizing the environmental impact of urban growth.

TOD offers numerous benefits, including reduced car reliance, increased public transit ridership, and the creation of vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. By concentrating development near transit stations, TOD promotes efficient land use, preserves open spaces, and enhances community livability and accessibility.

Benefits of transit-oriented development

• Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a sustainable urban planning approach that focuses on creating compact, mixed-use neighborhoods centered around public transit stations
• TOD aims to reduce car dependency, increase public transit ridership, and create walkable communities that promote active transportation and reduce the environmental impact of urban development
• By concentrating development near transit stations, TOD encourages the efficient use of land and infrastructure, reducing urban sprawl and preserving open spaces and natural habitats

Reduced car dependency

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• TOD reduces the need for private vehicle ownership by providing convenient access to public transit, making it easier for residents to commute to work, school, and other destinations without relying on cars
• The compact, mixed-use nature of TOD neighborhoods places essential services and amenities within walking distance, further reducing the need for car trips
• By reducing car dependency, TOD helps alleviate traffic congestion, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation

Increased public transit ridership

• TOD encourages the use of public transit by making it more accessible and convenient for residents, leading to increased ridership and improved transit system efficiency
• The concentration of housing, jobs, and services near transit stations creates a built-in customer base for public transit, ensuring a steady demand for transit services
• Increased ridership helps support the financial sustainability of public transit systems, allowing for more frequent service, system expansions, and improvements

Walkable mixed-use neighborhoods

• TOD promotes the development of pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighborhoods that combine residential, commercial, and recreational uses in close proximity
• These neighborhoods are designed with human-scale streets, wide sidewalks, and attractive public spaces that encourage walking and social interaction
• Mixed-use development allows residents to access essential services and amenities (grocery stores, healthcare facilities, parks) within a short walk, promoting active lifestyles and reducing the need for car trips

Key principles of transit-oriented development

• Transit-oriented development is guided by a set of key principles that prioritize compact, mixed-use development, pedestrian-friendly design, and proximity to transit stations
• These principles aim to create sustainable, livable communities that reduce car dependency, promote public transit use, and foster social and economic vitality
• By adhering to these principles, urban planners and developers can create neighborhoods that are more efficient, equitable, and resilient in the face of climate change and other urban challenges

Density vs sprawl

• TOD promotes higher-density development near transit stations, with a mix of housing types (apartments, townhouses, single-family homes) that can accommodate a diverse population
• Higher density allows for more efficient use of land and infrastructure, reducing the need for costly expansions of roads, utilities, and public services
• In contrast, urban sprawl is characterized by low-density, single-use development that spreads out over large areas, requiring more land and infrastructure to support a given population

Diversity of land uses

• TOD encourages a mix of land uses (residential, commercial, office, recreational) within a compact area, creating vibrant, self-sufficient neighborhoods
• This diversity of uses allows residents to live, work, shop, and play within the same area, reducing the need for long commutes and car trips
• Mixed-use development also promotes economic vitality by creating opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs

Pedestrian-friendly design

• TOD prioritizes the design of streets and public spaces that are safe, comfortable, and attractive for pedestrians
• This includes features such as wide sidewalks, street trees, benches, and pedestrian-scale lighting that create a pleasant and inviting environment for walking
• Pedestrian-friendly design also incorporates traffic calming measures (narrow streets, speed bumps) to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists

Proximity to transit stations

• TOD concentrates development within a short walking distance (typically 1/4 to 1/2 mile) of transit stations, making it easy for residents to access public transit
• This proximity encourages the use of public transit for daily commutes and other trips, reducing car dependency and increasing transit ridership
• Development near transit stations also helps to create a sense of place and community identity, with the transit station serving as a focal point for the neighborhood

Challenges in implementing transit-oriented development

• Despite the many benefits of transit-oriented development, there are several challenges that can hinder its implementation and success
• These challenges include regulatory barriers, financing constraints, community opposition, and the need to integrate TOD with existing infrastructure and land use patterns
• Overcoming these challenges requires a collaborative effort among urban planners, developers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to create a supportive environment for TOD

Zoning and land use regulations

• Traditional zoning codes often segregate land uses and limit density, making it difficult to create the compact, mixed-use neighborhoods that are essential for TOD
• Updating zoning codes to allow for higher-density, mixed-use development near transit stations is a critical step in enabling TOD
• This may require changes to building height limits, setback requirements, parking minimums, and other regulations that can constrain TOD

Financing and incentives

• TOD projects often require significant upfront investments in infrastructure, public spaces, and affordable housing, which can be challenging to finance
• Public-private partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms (tax increment financing, density bonuses) can help to overcome these financial barriers
• Governments can also provide incentives (tax abatements, expedited permitting) to encourage private developers to invest in TOD projects

Community opposition and NIMBYism

• TOD projects can sometimes face opposition from local residents and businesses who are concerned about increased density, traffic, or changes to neighborhood character
• This "not in my backyard" (NIMBY) sentiment can delay or derail TOD projects, even when they offer significant benefits to the broader community
• Engaging the community early and often in the planning process, and addressing their concerns through design and mitigation measures, can help to build support for TOD

Integration with existing infrastructure

• TOD projects must often be integrated with existing transportation networks, utilities, and land use patterns, which can pose technical and logistical challenges
• This may require upgrades to existing transit stations, roads, and utilities to accommodate increased density and demand
• Coordinating TOD with regional transportation plans and land use policies can help to ensure that TOD projects are well-integrated with the broader urban fabric

Successful examples of transit-oriented development

• There are many examples of successful transit-oriented development projects around the world that demonstrate the benefits of this approach to sustainable urban planning
• These examples showcase a range of strategies and approaches to TOD, adapted to the unique contexts and challenges of each location
• By studying these success stories, urban planners and policymakers can learn valuable lessons and best practices for implementing TOD in their own communities

Arlington County, Virginia

• Arlington County has been a pioneer in TOD, with a long-standing commitment to concentrating development along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, served by the Washington Metro
• The county has used a combination of zoning changes, public investments, and partnerships with private developers to create a series of walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods around Metro stations
• As a result, Arlington has achieved high levels of transit ridership, economic development, and quality of life, while preserving established single-family neighborhoods outside the corridor

Curitiba, Brazil

• Curitiba is often cited as a model of sustainable urban planning, with a world-renowned bus rapid transit (BRT) system that forms the backbone of the city's TOD strategy
• The city has concentrated high-density development along the BRT corridors, with a mix of housing, commercial, and recreational uses that are easily accessible by transit
• Curitiba's TOD approach has helped to control urban sprawl, reduce car dependency, and improve access to jobs and services for the city's low-income residents

Hong Kong, China

• Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a highly efficient public transit system that includes rail, bus, and ferry services
• The city has pursued a TOD strategy that integrates high-density housing and commercial development with transit stations, creating a series of self-contained, mixed-use neighborhoods
• Hong Kong's TOD approach has helped to accommodate a growing population while preserving open space and reducing car dependency

Portland, Oregon

• Portland has been a leader in TOD in the United States, with a regional planning framework that prioritizes compact, mixed-use development along the city's light rail and streetcar lines
• The city has used a combination of zoning changes, public investments, and partnerships with private developers to create a network of walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods
• Portland's TOD approach has helped to revitalize downtown, reduce car dependency, and create more affordable housing options for the city's diverse population

Measuring the impact of transit-oriented development

• Evaluating the success and impact of transit-oriented development requires a comprehensive set of metrics that capture the economic, environmental, and social benefits of TOD
• These metrics can help to demonstrate the value of TOD to policymakers, investors, and the public, and to guide future planning and investment decisions
• By regularly monitoring and reporting on these metrics, cities can track progress towards their TOD goals and make data-driven decisions to improve outcomes

Metrics for evaluating success

• Transit ridership: Measuring the number of people using public transit in TOD areas can help to gauge the effectiveness of TOD in reducing car dependency and increasing transit use
• Mode share: Tracking the percentage of trips made by different modes (walking, cycling, transit, car) in TOD areas can provide insights into how TOD is shifting travel behavior
• Housing affordability: Monitoring the supply and cost of housing in TOD areas can help to ensure that TOD is creating inclusive, mixed-income communities
• Job accessibility: Measuring the number and types of jobs that are accessible by transit from TOD areas can demonstrate the economic benefits of TOD

Economic benefits and job creation

• TOD can generate significant economic benefits by attracting new businesses, jobs, and investment to transit-served areas
• The increased density and foot traffic in TOD areas can support a thriving local economy, with opportunities for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs
• TOD can also create jobs in construction, retail, and services, and improve access to employment centers for workers who rely on public transit

Environmental benefits and reduced emissions

• By reducing car dependency and increasing transit use, TOD can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in urban areas
• TOD can also help to preserve open space and natural habitats by concentrating development in compact, walkable neighborhoods
• Metrics such as carbon emissions, energy use, and land consumption can help to quantify the environmental benefits of TOD

Social equity and affordable housing

• TOD has the potential to create more equitable and inclusive communities by providing affordable housing options and improving access to jobs, services, and amenities for low-income and disadvantaged populations
• However, TOD can also lead to gentrification and displacement if not carefully planned and managed
• Metrics such as housing affordability, displacement rates, and access to opportunity can help to ensure that TOD is promoting social equity and inclusion

Future trends in transit-oriented development

• As cities continue to grow and evolve, transit-oriented development will need to adapt to new technologies, mobility patterns, and sustainability challenges
• Several emerging trends are likely to shape the future of TOD, including the integration of smart city technologies, the rise of autonomous vehicles, and the expansion of TOD to suburban and rural areas
• By staying ahead of these trends and incorporating them into TOD planning and design, cities can create more resilient, adaptable, and sustainable communities for the future

Integration with smart city technologies

• Smart city technologies, such as sensor networks, data analytics, and mobile apps, can help to optimize the performance and user experience of TOD neighborhoods
• For example, real-time transit information, smart parking systems, and energy management tools can help to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and enhance livability in TOD areas
• Integrating TOD with smart city initiatives can also help to attract tech-savvy residents and businesses, and position cities as leaders in innovation and sustainability

Adaptation to autonomous vehicles

• The rise of autonomous vehicles (AVs) could have significant implications for TOD, potentially reducing the need for parking and freeing up land for other uses
• However, AVs could also compete with public transit and encourage more dispersed development patterns if not carefully managed
• TOD planning will need to anticipate and adapt to the impacts of AVs, by designing flexible streets and public spaces, prioritizing transit and active transportation, and creating policies to ensure that AVs complement rather than undermine TOD goals

Expansion to suburban and rural areas

• While TOD has traditionally focused on urban centers, there is growing interest in applying TOD principles to suburban and rural areas, particularly those served by regional rail and bus networks
• Suburban TOD can help to create more livable, sustainable, and affordable communities outside the urban core, while reducing car dependency and preserving open space
• Rural TOD can help to revitalize small towns and villages by concentrating growth around transit stations and creating walkable, mixed-use centers that serve as hubs for the surrounding area

Emphasis on resilience and sustainability

• As cities face growing risks from climate change, natural disasters, and other shocks, TOD will need to prioritize resilience and sustainability in its planning and design
• This could include incorporating green infrastructure (rain gardens, permeable pavement), energy-efficient buildings, and community spaces that can serve as emergency shelters or gathering places
• TOD can also help to reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air and water quality, and promote biodiversity by integrating nature and green space into the built environment
• By creating more resilient, sustainable, and adaptable communities, TOD can help cities to thrive in the face of future challenges and uncertainties