Transit-oriented development

Arlington County - Virginia

Transit Oriented Development

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Onibus Pinheirinho Curitiba

Queensboro Plaza from Astoria Line, September 2018

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Union Square Overview 201008

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Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a type of urban development that maximizes the amount of residential, business, and leisure space within walking distance of public transport. In doing so, TOD aims to increase public transport ridership by reducing the dependence on automobiles and promoting more sustainable urban growth. The concept integrates the design of a neighborhood, town, or city into a cohesive unit in which people can live, work, and play close to public transport, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing the quality of life.

Principles of Transit-Oriented Development

The core principles of transit-oriented development include:

• Density: High-density development within a 0.5 to 0.75-mile radius of transit stations to ensure a critical mass of people can live and work in proximity to public transport.
• Diversity: A mix of housing, office, retail, and other amenities in the same area to encourage people to live, work, and entertain themselves in a compact area.
• Design: Pedestrian-friendly design that prioritizes walking, cycling, and public transport over cars. This includes narrow streets, wide sidewalks, bike paths, and safe and attractive public spaces.
• Destination Accessibility: Ensuring that there are a variety of destinations close to transit stations, such as employment centers, schools, and recreational areas, to reduce the need for long commutes.
• Development: Focused development around transit stations to create vibrant, livable communities that attract people to the area.

Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development

Transit-oriented development offers numerous benefits, including:

• Environmental: By reducing reliance on cars, TOD can lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions and less air pollution.
• Economic: TOD can increase property values, reduce transportation costs for households, and stimulate local economies.
• Social: By creating more walkable and accessible communities, TOD can improve public health, increase safety, and enhance the quality of life.
• Efficiency: TOD makes more efficient use of land and resources, preserving open space and reducing the need for costly new infrastructure.

Challenges in Implementing Transit-Oriented Development

Despite its benefits, implementing transit-oriented development faces several challenges:

• Zoning and Regulation: Many areas have zoning laws and regulations that favor low-density, car-oriented development. Changing these policies can be a slow and politically challenging process.
• Financing: The upfront costs for TOD can be high, requiring investments in public transport infrastructure as well as incentives for developers to pursue higher-density projects.
• Community Opposition: Residents of existing neighborhoods may oppose increased density and changes in the character of their community.
• Coordination: Effective TOD requires coordination between multiple stakeholders, including public transport agencies, city planners, developers, and the community.

Examples of Transit-Oriented Development

Several cities around the world have successfully implemented transit-oriented development projects. Examples include:

• Arlington County, Virginia, where the Rosslyn-Ballston Metro Corridor has become a model for TOD in the United States.
• Curitiba, Brazil, known for its integrated transportation and land-use planning that has inspired TOD projects globally.
• Stockholm, Sweden, where the Stockholm Metro has been central to the city's urban development strategy, focusing on density and mixed-use near metro stations.

Conclusion

Transit-oriented development represents a sustainable approach to urban planning that seeks to create more livable, walkable, and environmentally friendly communities. While challenges exist, the potential benefits of TOD in terms of environmental sustainability, economic vitality, and quality of life make it an increasingly important strategy in the face of urbanization and climate change.