What are the best practices for transit-oriented development?

1 Define a clear vision

The first step for any TOD project is to define a clear vision that reflects the local context, needs, and aspirations of the community. A vision statement should articulate the goals, objectives, and principles of the TOD, as well as the desired outcomes and indicators of success. A vision statement can also serve as a guide for decision-making, prioritization, and evaluation throughout the project lifecycle. To develop a clear vision, it is important to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, such as residents, businesses, developers, planners, transit agencies, and policymakers, and to use various methods of communication, such as surveys, workshops, focus groups, and online platforms.

2 Align policies and regulations

The second step for any TOD project is to align the policies and regulations that affect land use, transportation, housing, and economic development around the transit station. Policies and regulations can either facilitate or hinder the implementation of the TOD vision, depending on how well they align with the goals and objectives of the project. For example, policies and regulations can support TOD by allowing higher densities, mixed uses, and reduced parking requirements, or by providing incentives, subsidies, and tax breaks for affordable housing, green infrastructure, and transit-oriented businesses. Conversely, policies and regulations can hinder TOD by imposing low densities, single uses, and excessive parking standards, or by creating barriers, delays, and uncertainties for development approvals and permits.

3 Coordinate planning and implementation

The third step for any TOD project is to coordinate the planning and implementation processes among the various actors and agencies involved in the project. Coordination is essential to ensure that the TOD vision is translated into concrete actions and outcomes, and that the different aspects of the project are integrated and aligned. For example, coordination can help to synchronize the timing and phasing of land use changes, infrastructure improvements, transit services, and development projects, or to leverage the resources and capacities of different partners and stakeholders. Coordination can also help to resolve potential conflicts and trade-offs among the different interests and priorities of the project. To achieve effective coordination, it is important to establish clear roles and responsibilities, formal and informal mechanisms of communication and collaboration, and regular monitoring and feedback systems.

4 Design for people and place

The fourth step for any TOD project is to design the physical environment around the transit station to create a sense of place and a high-quality experience for people. Design can influence how people perceive, use, and enjoy the TOD area, as well as how they access and interact with the transit system. For example, design can enhance the attractiveness, safety, and comfort of the TOD area by providing adequate sidewalks, bike lanes, crossings, lighting, landscaping, and public art, or by creating distinctive landmarks, gateways, and focal points. Design can also foster the diversity, vitality, and identity of the TOD area by incorporating a mix of uses, functions, and activities, or by reflecting the local culture, history, and character.

5 Promote social and environmental sustainability

The fifth step for any TOD project is to promote social and environmental sustainability in the TOD area and beyond. Sustainability can enhance the long-term viability and resilience of the TOD project, as well as its contribution to the broader goals of social equity and environmental justice. For example, social sustainability can be achieved by providing affordable and accessible housing, services, and opportunities for all income groups, ages, and abilities, or by ensuring meaningful participation and representation of the community in the planning and implementation of the TOD project. Environmental sustainability can be achieved by reducing the energy consumption and carbon footprint of the TOD area, or by integrating natural features, green spaces, and stormwater management systems.

6 Learn from best practices and case studies

The sixth and final step for any TOD project is to learn from the best practices and case studies of other TOD projects around the world. Learning from others can provide valuable insights, lessons, and inspiration for the planning and implementation of the TOD project, as well as for the evaluation and improvement of the project outcomes. Learning from others can also help to identify the common challenges, opportunities, and trends in TOD, as well as the specific factors and contexts that influence the success and failure of different TOD projects. To learn from others, it is important to use various sources of information and knowledge, such as reports, publications, websites, podcasts, webinars, and site visits, or to network and exchange with other TOD practitioners, experts, and enthusiasts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?