Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
What is Transit Oriented Development?
A transit-oriented development (TOD) is a mixed use, walkable neighborhood located within a quarter mile of a transit stop or station and is designed to encourage the use of public transit. These developments use a compact, village-like land use pattern that mixes residential and local-scale retail and commercial land uses at densities that are typically higher than found in conventional suburban development.
Approaches Met
Develop housing options for seniors to age-in-community
TOD can provide a housing option for seniors who want to continue to live independently.
Keep seniors physically and socially connected
TOD connects residents to public transportation.
Create a range of price options for housing
TOD can decrease the need for developing parking, which decreases the cost of development.
Make it Happen
- Municipalities may need to amend zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances to support TOD. TOD should be offered as a "by-right" land use in designated areas near transit facilities, with specific standards to allow for mixed land uses and higher densities.
- Funding may be available to assist with TOD development. Municipalities can consider potential funding sources such as the Transit Revitalization Investment Act (TRID) funding, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), tax revenue through forming a Business Improvement District (BID), DVRPC's Transportation Community Development Initiative (TCDI) funding, or Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA). Municipalities can pair these funding sources with Transferable Development Rights programs to direct growth away from rural areas to urban and suburban center growth areas that have transit facilities.
- As many of these developments generally demand higher rents, municipalities should encourage developers and owners of TODs to accept housing choice vouchers in their development. This can allow for a senior on more of a fixed-income to reside within these development.
Transit Oriented Development in Practice
Paoli Train Station
The Paoli Train Station is an example of how municipal officials, transportation agencies and local stakeholders are working together to achieve a common redevelopment goal of the train station and its surrounding area. In Wiliistown Township, the "T" Transportation District is an example of a TOD that is located in the Paoli area.
Find Out More
- Pennsylvania Transit Oriented Development Toolkit, PA Department of Transportation Includes specific ordinance components that promote TOD.
- Zoning for Transit Oriented Development, The American Planning Association Guide for zoning for TOD.
- Commercial Landscapes Planning Series: Building Communities with Transit Oriented Development