What is TOD?
At its heart, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is walkable development near transit. When homes, shops, schools, and workplaces are close to one another (and streets are designed for people rather than cars), more of life can be accessed without driving. High-quality transit is both the development anchor and the connection to the region.
TOD can be successful in a variety of contexts. While low-density land uses are not compatible with TOD, there are many examples of successful TOD without a single high-rise. In other situations, high-quality transit makes it possible to accommodate major development without generating significant car traffic. Examples of various TOD typologies are shown below.
Highest density (usually > 85 activity population/acre with mid-rise to high-rise buildings), mixed use dominated with office use and ground floor retail activity, high pedestrian connectivity
High density (45 to 85 activity population/acre, mid-rise buildings), mixed use with multi-family residential, high pedestrian connectivity
Medium density (20 to 30 activity population/acre) with a mix of multi-family and single family residential, corner stores and mid-rise offices, often with park-and-ride facilities
Lower density (below 20 activity population/ per acre), predominantly residential with some local retail uses