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 on 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

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)
A Guide to Transit-Oriented Development (), Sacramento Regional Transit, Final Draft 2009
Guide for Transit-Oriented Development (), Metropolitan Council (MN), 08/2006 - Good TOD overview
Transit-Oriented Development Best Practices Handbook (), city of Calgary - Summary of benefits and best practices
Transit-Oriented Development Best Practices Manual (), Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, 2007
Building Livable Communities: A policy-Maker's Guide to Transit-Oriented Development, Judy Corbett and Paul Zykofsky, Center for Livable Communities, Local Government Commission, 1996 - Readable but thorough guide covering rationale, implementation tools and checklists, and case studies
Station Area Planning: How To Make Great Transit-Oriented Places, Reconnecting American and the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, 02/2008 - Discussion of TOD typologies, planning principles, including checklists, to facilitate creation of successful TOD projects
The Mixed Income Transit-Oriented Development Action Guide, The Center for Transit Oriented Development - An online tool designed to help local jurisdictions and planners develop strategies to create mixed income transit oriented development around planned transit stations
Transit-Oriented Development in the United States: Experiences, Challenges, and Prospects (), by Robert Cervero, G.B. Arrington, Jane Smith-Heimer, Robert Dunphy et al., TCRP Report No. 102, Transportation Research Board, 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 (), by John L. Renne, Jan S. Wells, and Edward J. Bloustein,Transportation Research Board, Research Results Digest 294, 02/2005
Statewide Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Study, Factors for Success in California () Special Report: Parking and TOD: Challenges and Opportunities, California Department of Transportation, 02/2002
Trans-Formation: Recreating Transit-Oriented Neighborhood Centers in Washington, DC, A Design Handbook for Neighborhood Residents, Office of Planning, 09/2002 - 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, 09/2001 - Looks at successful programs and suggests incentives and codes at state and local level
Building Transit Oriented Development In Established Communities (), by 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, 10/2002
The Zoning and Real Estate Implications of Transit-Oriented Development (), Transit Cooperative Research Program, Research Results Digest, Transportation Research Board, 10/2002
Transit-Oriented Development Implementation, Community Choices Quality Growth Toolkit (), Atlanta Regional Commission, and Executive Summary ()
Smart Communities: Zoning for Transit-Oriented Development (), by Marya Morris, Ideas@Work, Campaign for Sensible Growth, 11/2002
TOD: A Vehicle for Great Streets and Great Sidewalks, by Neal Payton, Urban Landscape, 08/2009 - Transit Oriented Development (TOD) represents not only an opportunity to put density near transit, but possibly as importantly, to remake the public realm creating a city of great streets and great sidewalks
Tools for Mixed-Income TOD, Doug Shoemaker, Center for Transit Oriented Development 07/2006 - Report discusses resources and strategies that local governments can bring to bear when integrating mixed-income housing within transit-oriented developments
Vehicle Trip Reduction Impacts of Transit-Oriented Housing (), by Robert Cervero and G. B. Arrington, Journal of Public Transportation, vol. 11, no. 3, 2008 - A survey of 17 transit-oriented developments (TOD) in five U.S. metropolitan areas showed that vehicle trips per dwelling unit were substantially below what the Institute of Transportation Engineer's Trip Generation manual estimates.
Effects of TOD on Housing, Parking, and Travel (), by Robert Cervero and G. B. Arrington Transportation Research Board, 2008 - Provides original data on TOD residential trip generation and parking, the behavior and motivation of TOD residents, employees, and employers in their mode choice. The report also identifies best practices to promote, maintain, and improve TOD-related transit ridership.
Center for Transit-Oriented Development at ReconnectingAmerica - Links to reports and studies, case studies, latest news
TOD Additional Resources, Federal Transit Administration
Transit Oriented Development Using Public Transit to Create More Accessible and Livable Neighborhoods, Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Online TDM Encyclopedia, updated 04/15/2011
Federal Transit Administration TOD website
Articles/Publications: Transit-Oriented Development, Community-Wealth.org