Transit -Oriented

Development (TOD)

Eduardo F. Bober, Jr.

Industry Lecturer
TOD
- development that is located within a 10
10--
walk, or approximately 0.5 mile from a light
minute walk,
rail, heavy rail, or commuter rail station. Also
includes development along heavily used bus and
bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors.
TOD
- a type of community development that
includes a mixture of housing, office, retail and /or
other amenities integrated into a walkable
neighborhood and located within a half half--mile of
quality public transportation
transportation..
 TOD
Concept
Transportation
(rail or bus
systems)

High--Density
High

0.5
Low--Density
Low mile
radius
TOD Types
RURAL TOD
TOD Types
SUBURBAN
TOD
TOD Types
URBAN CENTER TOD
FACTORS DRIVING THE
TREND TOWARD TOD

-Rapidly growing, mind-

mind-numbing
traffic congestion nation-
nation-wide

-Growing distaste for suburbia

and fry-
fry-pit strip development

-Growing desire for urban quality

urban

-Growing desire for more

walkable lifestyles away from
traffic

-Changes in family structures:

more singles, empty-
empty-nesters, etc

-Growing national support for

Smart Growth

Land areas within the half-mile radius
have already been developed

Transit is not yet an available option

Potential development sites are not

suitable for TOD
◦ TOD projects contain at least 100,000 sq.ft. for
60-80 housing units

Factors that limit

opportunities for TOD
COMPONENTS OF TOD

Walkable design with pedestrian as the

highest priority

Train station/bus station as prominent

feature of town center

A regional node containing a mixture of uses

in close proximity including office,
residential, retail, and civic uses

High density, high-

high-quality development
within 10-
10-minute walk circle surrounding
train station

Collector support transit systems including Reduced and managed

trolleys, streetcars, light rail, and buses, etc parking inside 10-
10-
minute walk circle
Designed to include the easy use of bicycles, around town center /
scooters, and rollerblades as daily support train station
transportation systems
FOUR PRINCIPLES FOR TOD SITE
PROGRAM

BUILD DENSELY
Reduced auto dependency
Efficient use of TOD sites
Support pedestrian-
pedestrian-friendly shop
Create lively, people filled environment

MIX USES
Create dynamic & enliven sidewalks
and public spaces

MIX HOUSING TYPES AND PRICES

Increase diversity in housing

REDUCE PARKING REQUIREMENT

Feasible to construct structured
parking or below-
below-grade parking
DESIGN FEATURES (Site Planning
Process)

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
Link pedestrian access
PUBLIC SPACES
Create NEW public spaces
SENSE OF PLACE
Identity for the development
PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE
Foster an increased pedestrian
experience
CHARACTER AND QUALITY
Emphasize place-
place-making
ARCHITECTURE
Encourage design that convey a
sense of quality, permanence, &
community--enriching character
community
SUSTAINABILITY
Green site and building designs
BENEFITS OF TOD

QUALITY OF LIFE
Enhance community living
PUBLIC HEALTH
Improve air quality
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Access to jobs, broaden tax base
PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE
Foster an increased pedestrian
experience
COMMUNITY CHARACTER
Creates public spaces, gives vitality
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Design Alternative to sprawl
Encourages “green” urbanism
TRANSIT USE
Increased ridership
PHILIPPINES
A R A N E T A C E N T E R
VANCOUVER
A R L I N G T O N