Reasoning & Evidence
Transit-oriented development (TOD) can be defined by a grid-like pattern with diverse land use, high density, and well-connected street networks with residences that are within a 10-minute walking distance from a transit station.(6, 7) TOD can increase local activity participation, social capital, and social interactions through dense road networks, small blocks, and side streets with direct accessibility to facilities and services, all of which ultimately encourage social activities.(6, 7) While the benefits of implementing TOD are significant, planning efforts need to consider lower-income residents and residents of color to avoid displacement that can occur from increased rents and cost of living due to new, attractive amenities.(8) During an interview, a subject matter expert noted that while the benefits of TOD typically outweigh the negatives, it is important to employ strategies that increase the level of investment in solving urban density issues while also preserving long-term communities and residents.
Creative TOD approaches utilize multi-solving infrastructure to foster vibrant communities with innovations like using transit centers as third places. Transforming public streets into public open spaces can support social behaviors with elements such as seating outside of shops and restaurants, awnings and umbrellas to provide shade, and robust shop signs and displays to encourage social interactions and engagement.(9) Explore success stories of TOD being used to increase community engagement in a multitude of settings in this report from the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail Program.
Examples of Community Implementation
Fruitvale, California: The Fruitvale community responded to plans of the Bay Area Rapid Transit to build a new parking structure by advocating for designing a place that would instead link local businesses to transit and increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic to redevelop their neighborhood. The result was an innovative integration of parking needs paired with pedestrian-oriented development that included local retail shops, a community center, 47 mixed-income housing units, and a senior center. The Fruitvale Transit Village is now a mixed-use village that bolsters community ties while also providing accessibility to rail transit.
Bartlett, Illinois: The Village of Bartlett in western Chicago implemented their Downtown Transit-Oriented Development Plan to revitalize a suburb with various transportation infrastructure investments. They promoted a compact, walkable community by enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access to the Metra station, revising zoning codes, adopting a Complete Streets policy, and supporting new business developments in Downtown to attract pedestrians. The plan also identified eight underutilized surface parking lots within walking distance of the Village that could be repurposed into social areas, like an outdoor beer garden and a live music performance stage.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework: The Transportation Supplemental Brief
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