Transit-Oriented Development

Introduction
Transit-Oriented Development - Guides, Studies, and Articles
Transit Oriented Development and Market Forces
Transit Oriented Development Programs
Transit Oriented Development Plan and Ordinance Examples

Introduction

Transit systems (including rail or bus service) can provide a convenient transportation option and play a significant role in reducing traffic congestion. Successful transit systems require development patterns and community design that support transit use. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) focuses a mix of land-uses, such as residential, office, shopping, personal services, civic uses and entertainment within easy walking distance from a centrally-located transit station (about 1/4 mile, 5-10 minutes). TOD is designed to increase the number of residences and potential transit riders that have convenient access to transit. A variety of moderate and higher density housing options are typically a part of the mix. In addition, a complementary mix of uses, activities, and services located in close proximity makes it easier for TOD residents to commute to work, run errands, socialize and meet basic needs without always needing a car. Transit riders generally begin and end their trips by walking. As a result, a network of safe and convenient walkways that connect transit, residences and other uses, and an attractive pedestrian environment are a hallmark of TOD development. A well-designed bicycle system and facilities can increase the radius that people will travel to access transit. Community spaces, plazas, activities and attractive design are also important components in drawing people to TOD development.

Transit-Oriented Development - Guides, Studies, and Articles

Transportation Resource Guide, Transit-Oriented Development, American Public Transportation Association, Number 8, Rev. March 2006.
Strategies for Making Transit-Oriented Development Happen - Puget Sound Regional Council - In particular see Financing page).
"Creating Transit Station Communities in the Central Puget Sound Region: A Transit-Oriented Development Workbook," 1999.
Portland Tri-Met - Community Building Sourcebook, 2005 (See Ch. 3- Transit-Oriented Developments.)
Station Area Planning: How To Make Great Transit-Oriented Places, Reconnecting American and the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, February 2008 – Discussion of TOD typologies, planning principles, including checklists, to facilitate creation of successful TOD projects.
Transit-Oriented Development in the United States: Experiences, Challenges, and Prospects, TCRP Report No. 102, Transportation Research Board, Robert Cervero, G.B. Arrington, Jane Smith-Heimer, Robert Dunphy et al., 2004 - A comprehensive assessment of the state of the practice and the benefits of transit-oriented development (TOD) and joint development throughout the United States.
"Transit-Oriented Development: Moving from Rhetoric to Reality," by Dena Belzer and Gerald Autler, The Brookings Institution, 2002.
"Transit-Oriented Development: Developing a Strategy to Measure Success," Transportation Research Board, Research Results Digest 294, John L. Renne, Jan S. Wells, and Edward J. Bloustein, February 2005.
"Travel Characteristics of Transit-Oriented Development in California: Final Report," by Hollie M. Lund, Ph.D., Robert Cervero, Ph.D., and Richard W. Willson, Ph.D., AICP, Funded by Caltrans Transportation Grant, January 2004.
Statewide Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Study, Factors for Success in California - Special Report: Parking and TOD: Challenges and Opportunities, California Department of Transportation, 2002.
Trans-Formation: Recreating Transit-Oriented Neighborhood Centers in Washington, DC - A Design Handbook for Neighborhood Residents, Office of Planning, September 2002 - explanation of 6 key design principles.
Construction of Transit-Based Development, by Dr. Scott Lefaver (P.I), Britta Buys, Diana Castillo, Stephen Mattoon, and John Vargo, The Mineta Transportation Institute - San Jose State University, September 2001 - Looks at successful programs and suggests incentives and codes at state and local level.
Building Transit Oriented Development In Established Communities, Julie Goodwill and Sara J. Hendricks, Center for Urban Transportation Research University of South Florida, 2002.
Hidden In Plain Sight Capturing The Demand For Housing Near Transit, Center for Transit-Oriented Development for the Federal Highway Administration, 2004 - Study finds high demand for housing near transit (double that which exists today).
The Affordability Index: A New Tool for Measuring the True Affordability of a Housing Choice, Brookings Institute, 2003 - The Housing and Transportation Affordability Index is a groundbreaking innovation because it prices the trade-offs that households make between housing and transportation costs and the savings that derive from living in communities that are near shopping, schools, and work, and that boast a transit-rich environment.
"Transit-Oriented Development and Joint Development in the United States: A Literature Review," Transit Cooperative Research Program, Research Results Digest, October 2002.
"The Zoning and Real Estate Implications of Transit-Oriented Development," Transit Cooperative Research Program, Research Results Digest, Transportation Research Board, October 2002.
Center for Transit-Oriented Development at ReconnectingAmerica - Links to reports and studies, case studies, latest news.
TOD Additional Resources, Federal Transit Administration.
Federal Transit Administration TOD website.
Articles/Publications: Transit-Oriented Development, Community-Wealth.org.