Economy
'Transit' Might Not Be Essential to Transit-Oriented Development
A new study suggests rail proximity matters less than walkability, mixed-use development, and limited parking spots.
The first thing that comes to mind with transit-oriented development, and sometimes the only thing, is proximity to a busy rail station. The term begins with transit for a reason. But of course that's not the only component of effective TOD: density, a mixture of residences and services, walkability, and the general built environment all play key roles. What if some of these other factors proved as important as rail proximity when it came to TOD's sustainable impact?
In other words, what if TOD doesn't rely on the T?