Healthy Community Design
Updated April 2008
"Transit Oriented Development"
Policy Link has released a tool kit on transit oriented development (TOD) that contains a synopsis of what TOD is, why it is an important option for land use and transportation planning, and examples of state policies that encourage and finance TOD projects. As gas prices soar to record levels, many citizens need other transportation options. Many American cities are adding capacity to transit facilities such as light rail and bus systems, but oftentimes such communities are not well integrated with transit stops to fully capture the benefits of transit and ease traffic congestion. TOD allows people to have a choice of multiple transit options, lower transportation costs, and reduce environmental impacts, as well as get more exercise as part of their daily routine. TOD also serves to reinvigorate older communities or bring economic development to new areas, as many businesses seek employment sites with numerous transit and lifestyle options.
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