Transit Oriented Development
Transit Oriented Development
Where Walkability is Key
The concept of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) dates back to the late 1980s, and it quickly became a pillar of modern planning and New Urbanism when Peter Calthorpe published his book 'The Next American Metropolis' in 1993. In this book, Calthorpe defines Transit Oriented Development as “a mixed-use community that encourages people to live near transit services and to decrease their dependence on driving.” Since then, the concept has gained popularity and can be seen all across the US.
To understand the fundamental tenets of TOD, we need to go back to the late 1800s and the beginning of public transit. At the time, streetcars in many cities made it possible to live outside of the city, but still be able to access the city easily and quickly. Neighborhoods in areas like these became known as "streetcar suburbs" and developed rapidly along the transit corridors. By the turn of the 19th century, there were tens of thousands of miles of streetcar track serving American cities both large and small with urban developments appearing alongside. Shops like small groceries, bakeries, and drug stores often popped up near the intersections of streetcar lines to meet the needs of each neighborhood.
Over time, the developments have changed, but many of the fundamental principles remain. The following 10 principles are general guidelines for planning TOD districts and neighborhoods:
Place stations in locations with highest ridership potential and development opportunities
Designate a 1/2 mile radius around station as higher density, mixed-use, walkable development
Create a range of densities with highest at station, and tapering down to existing neighborhoods
Design the station site for seamless pedestrian connections to surrounding development
Create a public plaza in front of one or more sides of the station building
Create retail and cafe streets leading to station entrances along main pedestrian connections
Reduce parking at the station, and located it a block or two away, directing pedestrian flow along retail streets
Enhance multi-modal connections, to make transfers easy, direct, and comfortable
Incorporate bikesharing, a comprehensive bikeway network, and large bike parking areas
Use each station as catalyst for major redevelopment of the area and great placemaking around station
The desire to create pedestrian-oriented developments, rather than car-oriented developments, is even more relevant, with a focus on health and wellness. Public transit and development go hand in hand, and by being thoughtful in their designs, developers can ensure the efficiency, attractiveness, and pedestrian-friendliness of each development they create.
Interested in reading more about transit oriented development? Check out these reports from the Transit Oriented Development Institute and sign up for their newsletter to keep up with the latest as more reports are published.
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