Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Core Principles

All types of TODs are defined by a commonly shared set of core principles. These principles differentiate TODs from other conventional types of development. Click on the tiles below to learn more about each of the six core principles.

MIX OF USES

Mix of uses
MIX OF USES

Clustering different uses around transit – housing, office, retail, health providers, and others – provides local convenience while establishing an accessible destination for customers and businesses across the region. Mixed-use TOD also fosters “eyes on the street” at all times of day, discouraging criminal activity and building a sense of community.

DEVELOPMENT DENSITY
Development density
DEVELOPMENT DENSITY

Development Density encourages more people to walk or bike in between destinations, rather than drive, and an increase in physical activity supports health and well-being. According to The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the average resident living in a “walkable” neighborhood weighs 6-10 pounds less than the average resident who lives in a less pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. ​

MULTIMODAL

Multimodal
MULTIMODAL

While transit is the spark, walkable streets are the fuel for TOD. When roads are designed to prioritize driving over other modes, people are more likely to drive, undermining the value added by TOD. From the transit perspective, trains and buses are most successful when people can comfortably walk (or bike) to their destinations at either end.

NEAR HIGH-QUALITY TRANSIT
Near high-quality transit
NEAR HIGH-QUALITY TRANSIT

Frequent and reliable transit is the heart of TOD, connecting communities to opportunities throughout the region. In every jurisdiction it serves, Metrorail has made it possible for communities to grow and thrive. While rail station TOD tends to have a higher profile, frequent bus service can also facilitate great TOD, as seen on corridors like Columbia Pike in Arlington.

INTEGRATED WITH SURROUNDINGS
Integrated with surroundings
INTEGRATED WITH SURROUNDINGS

High-quality TOD should be of a scale and character that is well-integrated with the existing neighborhood fabric. It doesn’t (and often shouldn't) have to match existing architectural styles, but it should feel like part of the neighborhood.

SAFETY/ACCESSIBILITY

Safety and accessibility
SAFETY/ACCESSIBILITY

The design of high-quality TOD should prioritize public safety and accessibility for people of differing abilities. The development should be well-lit and designed in such a way to minimize areas of poor visibility. The TOD should be easily accessible for people with disabilities, as well as anyone walking or biking to the station. ​