Transit oriented development (TOD) is about developing walkable, mixed-use communities with nearby public transportation. It is about creating communities designed around available public transportation rather than traditional suburban-oriented development  which is designed for automobile use.  TOD benefits those who prefer to live close to their work place or their shopping areas, for those who rely on public transportation, and those who want to be less dependent on their cars and choose to use public transit.  TOD does not replace suburban-oriented development. Instead it offers transportation alternatives.

Tags: public transit | TOD | transit oriented development

American Public Transportation Association:
Read about the benefits of public transportation.

Local Government Commission: Center for Livable Communities: Why Build Near Transit?
Paul Zykofsky, Center for Livable Communities writes about the economic impacts of building near transit.

Metro Transit in the Twin Cities:
View this unique presentation for getting around the Twin Cities.

Reconnecting America: Center for TOD:
The Center for TOD focuses on a performance-based definition of TOD ... projects should “increase ‘location efficiency’ so people can walk and bike and take transit;  boost transit ridership and minimize traffic; provide a rich mix of housing, shopping and transportation choices;  generate revenue for the public and private sectors and provide value for both new and existing residents; create a sense of place.”

Ten Principals for Successful Development Around Transit:
An Urban Institute publication presenting transportation modes ( heavy rail, light rail, buses, bus rapid transit) and ten principles for envisioning successful development around transit.

TOD 101 Why Transit-Oriented Development and Why Now?:
A report from Reconnecting America.

Transit Oriented Development:
Search here for green transportation and transportation choices.

Tags: public transit | TOD | transit oriented development