THE BENEFITS OF TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is higher density, mixed-use development centered on some sort of public transport. It features walk-able design with an emphasis on multi-modal access and reduced parking.

The benefits of TOD include better mobility, reduced car traffic, reduced household spending on transportation, healthier lifestyles, lower pollution, higher foot-traffic for commercial businesses and decreased suburban sprawl.

TOD is as old as time. In today’s era, we need to stay focused on bringing quality development and infrastructure improvements where permanent transit access spurs the demand. In the meantime, supporting multi-modal transportation in your community can help to encourage the improvements that we all value.

§  TOD can improve public health. A community with a strong and dependable transit system and streetscaping elements can discourage vehicle dependence and congestion. A TOD community is thought to improve community health and even reduce obesity. A research article titled The Effect of Light Rail Transit on Body Mass Index and Physical Activity found that commuters who took a newly installed train were about 6.45 pounds lighter than those who continued driving to work.

§  TOD can create a more sustainable community. The Center for Transit-Oriented Development reported in Planning for TOD at the Regional Scale that transportation contributes about 28 percent of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, TOD has the potential to reduce annual GHG.

§  TOD can strengthen local economies. Improving local public transit can cut vehicle transportation costs and time spent on commuting. With reduced commuting times and costs, people will be able to spend their time and money at restaurants, shops, and museums in the local area. The Center for Transit-Oriented Development reports that a compact community with a strong transit system can create jobs and also attract a young, innovative talent pool.

§  A community with TOD elements costs less than suburban sprawl. Sprawl development is costly because it requires the expansion of public infrastructure and utilities. TOD promotes a compact community and uses existing infrastructure. A transit-dependent community saves money on repairing infrastructure as vehicle use decreases.