TOD in Santa Monica, CA (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
What is TOD?
TOD Around the Country
Learn More
What is TOD?
Transit oriented development - or TOD - refers to the compact, high-density development that occurs within about a half mile of transit stations. This development occurs for several reasons. The area around transit stations is in high demand. Corporations prefer to locate there to provide easy and reliable access for their employees. Retail establishments can take advantage of increased foot traffic from transit riders. Many residents will desire to live in close proximity to a station so they can easily commute to work or school and access other amenities. All of these factors combine to create new investment along the rail line (click here for more on the economic benefits of this investment). As a result, TOD typically features:
- A mix of uses including housing, shopping, and employment centers
- Walkable and bike-able streets
- Attractive streetscapes
- An affordable and convenient lifestyle for residents
- Residents of a mix of ages and incomes
TOD is attractive to its residents because it provides a convenient and affordable lifestyle where housing, jobs, restaurants, and entertainment are all easily accessible by walking or taking transit. In addition, TOD increases transit ridership and reduces automobile congestion, providing value for both the public and private sectors. While many TOD residents choose not to own cars or to own fewer cars, TOD is not intended to "force residents out of their cars." Instead, TOD is about providing options and alternatives so that resident have the ability to choose between driving, walking, biking, or taking transit.
The diagram below helps to illustrate the features of TOD in more detail (click to enlarge). However, it is important to remember that TOD can vary dramatically depending on the setting. For example, a TOD close to a downtown center is more likely to feature high rises and mixed use mid-rise buildings, while a TOD on the subruban end of a line might feature a few mid-rise buildings of mixed use that are surrounded by single family homes.
(Source: GAO-09-871 Affordable Housing in Transit-Oriented Development)
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TOD Around the Country
The concept of TOD is best illustrated through images. Below is a gallery of real world TOD examples from throughout the country. Click on any image to open a larger version in a new window.
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Bethesda, MD (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Clarendon, Arlington, VA (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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San Diego, CA (Source: LA WAD Flickr)
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San Diego, CA (Source: LA WAD Flickr)
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Smart Corner, San Diego, CA
(Source: LA WAD Flickr)
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Dallas, TX (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Denver, CO (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Denver, CO (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Fruitvale, CA (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Fruitvale, CA (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Portland, OR (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Portland, OR (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Portland, OR (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Portland, OR (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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San Diego, CA (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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San Diego, CA (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Seattle, WA (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Seattle, WA (Source: RACTOD Flickr)
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Check out this video to see how TOD is transforming Jersey City:
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Learn More
Reconnecting America is a national organization focused on the link between transportation and community development. The Reconnecting America Center for Transit Oriented Development (RACTOD) is an excellent resource for more TOD images and other informaion. http://reconnectingamerica.org/public/tod
The Federal Transit Administration also provides some good background information on TOD. http://fta.dot.gov/publications/publications_11007.html