Everything about Transit Oriented Development Explained

Everything about Transit-Oriented Development Explained

Introduction

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) stands as a crucial global strategy addressing the challenges of urban sprawl by focusing activities around transportation hubs or along public transport corridors. The primary goal is to optimize land use efficiency while simultaneously promoting sustainable urban living.

TOD encompasses a fusion of land use planning, urban renewal, urban revitalization, and pedestrian-oriented zones. It is making rapid strides across the nation, weaving together vibrant and desirable living, working, and recreational spaces. Public reception has been overwhelmingly positive, making it the preferred choice for a diverse populace. Real estate developers have swiftly followed suit, catering to the surging demand for well-designed urban areas intertwined with efficient rail systems.

Moreover, transit-centric development contributes significantly to combatting pressing issues like climate change and global energy security. By fostering pedestrian-centric communities, it substantially curbs the need for vehicular transport, thereby substantially reducing energy consumption by up to 85%.

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Definition of Transit-Oriented Development or TOD

The core tenet of ‘transit-oriented development’ revolves around seamlessly integrating land use with transportation systems. This integration is vital for any development, whether macro or micro, that revolves around a transit hub. It ensures convenient access to public transport facilities, thus encouraging people to opt for walking and public transport over private vehicles.

Guidelines for Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD

Network and Connectivity: The emphasis here is on distributing high traffic volumes across several parallel streets, steering away from funneling traffic onto a handful of main roads. Urban planning should craft a fine-grained road network, offering route choices for all modes of transport, thereby minimizing distances between destinations and travel times.
Last Mile Connectivity: Multimodal transit stations should provide swift and convenient transfer options, along with spatial arrangements for various public transport modes. Offering diverse last-mile connectivity choices at varying levels of convenience and cost is crucial. Additionally, any attempts to negate the need for intermediate public transport through thoughtful design should be explored.
Pedestrian Access: Establishing direct, shortest routes for pedestrians and non-motorized transport to reach transit stations and connect between stops is a cornerstone of TOD.
Very Dense Mixed Development: Creating compact neighborhoods with equitably distributed opportunities for various population groups fosters shorter distances. A mixture of compatible land uses promotes 24/7 activity, enhancing the vibrancy of the area.
Streetscape Design: Urban areas should be thoughtfully designed to encourage relaxation, enjoyment, and equality. Allocating space for pedestrians and bicycles alongside other activities is paramount. Addressing heat island effects via proper road design and landscaping is essential.
Creating Place Identity: Emphasizing the quality, uniqueness, and overall life experience of each space fosters a distinctive atmosphere within the area.
Direct Business to TOD Sites: Establishing public transport services that connect to regional employment centers, coupled with concentrating job-creating investments around transit nodes, is a pivotal TOD strategy.
Public Facilities around Transit Hubs: Strategic placement of public amenities such as schools, universities, sports facilities, and cultural venues around transit nodes enhances accessibility and convenience.
Promoting Mixed-Use Activities: Encouraging multifunctional developments around otherwise underutilized transit nodes, especially during evening and night hours, fosters a lively and secure environment.

Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development or TOD

Enhanced Quality of Life: TOD cultivates superior living, working, and recreational spaces.
Heightened Mobility: Seamless movement options are a hallmark of TOD environments.
Increased Public Transport Usage: TOD’s emphasis on transit accessibility leads to higher ridership.
Reduced Congestion and Accidents: TOD decreases traffic congestion and the likelihood of vehicular accidents.
Affordable Housing: Reduced household transportation costs translate to more affordable housing options.
Healthier Lifestyle: Encouraging active transportation like walking and running contributes to healthier living.
Stable Property Values: TOD tends to maintain higher and more stable property values.
Boost to Local Businesses: Increased foot traffic from TOD translates to more customers for nearby businesses.
Environmental Gains: TOD drastically reduces reliance on foreign oil, pollution, and environmental degradation.
Incentive for Compact Development: TOD’s cost-effectiveness counters urban sprawl, promoting compact development.
Economic Competitiveness: TOD strengthens a region’s economic competitiveness.

Successful Transit-Oriented Development Case Studies

Janmarg’s Story – Pioneering TOD

Gujarat’s foray into TOD began with the inception of Janmarg, a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in Ahmedabad. With its gradual expansion over phases, Janmarg has exemplified TOD principles. The system’s integration with smart card ticketing and an intelligent transportation system (ITS) has boosted convenience, reliability, and security. The BRTS network has catalyzed the transformation of surrounding areas, fostering a mix of land uses and increased built-up ratios.

Delhi’s Transport Transformation

Delhi’s population surge necessitated a shift towards efficient public transport systems. Despite affordable public transportation options, private vehicle usage skyrocketed due to inadequacies in non-motorized transport and safety measures. The circular railway project’s failure highlighted the importance of integrated road and public transport networks, along with connecting high-density areas to transit hubs.

Lessons and Conclusion

TOD’s applicability spans multiple planning scales: regional, sub-regional, city-wide, and local areas. The approach necessitates robust intervention strategies, considering the unique context of core city areas, peripheral zones, and greenfield spaces. Successful TOD hinges on promoting densification, effective transportation modes, intermediate public transport, and compatible land uses.

In conclusion, Transit-Oriented Development emerges as a holistic solution to multifaceted urban challenges. By converging efficient transportation, optimized land use, and enhanced quality of life, TOD stands as a beacon of sustainable urban development. Its principles are adaptable across diverse contexts, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize urban planning and reshape the future of our cities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Transit-Oriented Development

Q1: What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?
TOD is a comprehensive urban planning strategy that revolves around concentrating activities and land use around transportation hubs or along public transit corridors. It aims to create efficient, sustainable, and pedestrian-friendly urban environments.

Q2: What are the benefits of Transit-Oriented Development?
TOD offers numerous benefits, including improved quality of life, enhanced mobility options, increased use of public transport, reduced congestion, lower transportation costs, healthier lifestyles, stable property values, and positive impacts on local businesses. It also contributes to environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness.

Q3: How does Transit-Oriented Development address climate change and energy security?
TOD creates dense, pedestrian-friendly communities that significantly reduce the need for driving, thereby lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions. This approach aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and enhance energy security.

Q4: How does Transit-Oriented Development impact property values?
TOD often leads to higher and more stable property values due to the increased desirability of areas with convenient access to public transport and a mix of amenities.

Q5: What are the key principles of Transit-Oriented Development?
Key principles include network and connectivity planning, last mile connectivity, prioritizing pedestrian access, promoting very dense mixed development, designing streetscapes for multiple uses, creating unique place identities, directing business to transit sites, and integrating public facilities around transit hubs.

Q6: Are there successful examples of Transit-Oriented Development?
Yes, there are successful examples worldwide. For instance, Janmarg in Ahmedabad, India, showcases the integration of TOD principles into a Bus Rapid Transit System. Delhi’s transformation through public transportation also demonstrates the significance of TOD strategies.

Conclusion

Transit-Oriented Development represents a visionary approach to urban planning, harnessing transportation and land use dynamics to create vibrant, sustainable, and well-connected communities. Through its core principles and successful case studies, TOD exemplifies its potential to shape urban landscapes for the betterment of society, the environment, and the economy.

References

Center of Excellence in Urban Transport. (2010). “Bus Rapid Transit System: Ahmedabad, India (Janmarg)”. Retrieved from https://csc.up.nic.in/DOIT/DOIT/TOR.html
Delhi Development Authority. (2010). “Economic Survey of Delhi 2012-13”. Retrieved from http://dda.org.in/tendernotices_docs/oct13/economic_survey_2012-13.pdf
Times of India. (2014). “Delhi cheapest city in world to travel by bus: Study”. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-cheapest-city-in-world-to-travel-by-bus-Study/articleshow/32073927.cms
Tiwari, G. (2011). “Transport infrastructure and emissions: Delhi”. Current Science, 100(1), 17-23.
Sreedharan, E. (2002). “Metro Revolution in India: Delhi Metro”. Infrastructure Policy & Governance, 5(2), 157-174.
Economic Survey of Delhi. (2012-13). “Economic Survey of Delhi 2012-13”. Retrieved from http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/DOIT_REVENUE/revenue/home
Hindustan Times. (2021). “CAG report: Ring railway failed due to poor planning, integration with road transport”. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/cag-report-ring-railway-failed-due-to-poor-planning-integration-with-road-transport-101647156162172.html
Center of Excellence in Urban Transport. (2010). “Bus Rapid Transit System: Ahmedabad, India (Janmarg)”. Retrieved from https://csc.up.nic.in/DOIT/DOIT/TOR.html

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