Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a planning and design strategy aimed at creating sustainable, vibrant urban areas centred around high-quality public transportation systems. Read here to learn more.
The core concept of TOD is to develop mixed-use neighbourhoods where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are integrated within walking distance of public transit stations.
This reduces the dependence on private vehicles, promotes the use of public transportation, and supports environmental sustainability.
The government proposed a transit-oriented development plan for 14 large cities with a population of over 30 lakh in the Union Budget 2024-25.
Key Features of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
- High-Density, Mixed-Use Development: TOD encourages the development of high-density buildings that include a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational facilities. This creates a vibrant, urban environment where people can live, work, and play without the need for long commutes.
- Proximity to Public Transit: Developments are planned around major transit hubs, such as metro stations, bus terminals, and train stations. The idea is to provide easy access to public transportation, making it the preferred mode of travel.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle-Friendly: Transit-oriented development (TOD) prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, ensuring that the areas around transit hubs are safe and convenient for walking and cycling. This reduces reliance on cars and promotes healthier lifestyles.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: By encouraging the use of public transportation and reducing the need for long commutes, TOD helps to alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas.
- Environmental Benefits: Transit-oriented development (TOD) supports sustainability by reducing carbon emissions through decreased vehicle use and promoting energy-efficient building designs. It also helps in preserving open spaces and reducing urban sprawl.
- Economic Development: TOD can spur economic growth by increasing property values, attracting businesses, and creating jobs in areas surrounding transit hubs.
World Bank’s 3V Framework for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
The World Bank’s 3V Framework is a strategic model designed to guide the planning and implementation of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
The 3Vs of the Framework:
- Node Value:
- This refers to the accessibility and connectivity of a transit station to the broader transport network. High Node Value indicates that a station is well-integrated into the overall transit system, making it a significant hub for commuters.
- Planners should focus on improving the transit infrastructure and connectivity at these nodes to enhance accessibility.
- Place Value:
- Place Value focuses on the quality of the area around the transit station in terms of amenities, public spaces, and the general urban environment. High Place Value means that the area is vibrant, walkable, and has a mix of land uses that attract people.
- Development should enhance the urban environment around stations to make them attractive and livable places that encourage walking, cycling, and public transport use.
- Market Potential (Volume):
- This is about the economic viability and the demand for development around transit stations. It considers factors like population density, land prices, and growth potential.
- Focus on areas with high market potential where there is significant demand for residential, commercial, or mixed-use development to ensure financial feasibility and success.
Purpose of the 3V Framework:
- Integrated Approach: The 3V Framework is designed to balance the transportation functionality (Node Value) with the quality of the urban environment (Place Value) and the economic feasibility of development (Market Potential).
- Data-Driven: The framework encourages the use of data to assess these three aspects and guide decisions that maximize the benefits of TOD for communities.
- Scalability: It can be applied at various scales, from single transit stations to entire metropolitan areas, making it versatile for different urban contexts.
The Indian Government’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan
In the context of India, the Union Government’s proposed TOD plan for 14 large cities with a population of over 30 lakh is aimed at transforming these cities into “growth hubs” through integrated economic and transit planning.
The plan focuses on the orderly development of peri-urban areas, which are the regions surrounding the core city.
This strategy is expected to support sustainable urbanization, reduce congestion, and improve the quality of life in these rapidly growing cities.
National Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy, 2017
The National Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy, 2017 was introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to promote sustainable urban development in India.
The policy encourages a shift from car-dependent development to public transit-based development, integrating land use with transportation to create vibrant, walkable communities around transit stations.
Key Features of the TOD Policy:
- Mixed-Use Development: The policy promotes mixed land-use development within walking distance (500-800 meters) of transit stations. This includes residential, commercial, and institutional spaces, encouraging a compact urban form.
- Density Optimization: Higher density development is encouraged near transit corridors, ensuring more people live and work close to public transport options. This helps in reducing urban sprawl and making efficient use of land.
- Walkability and Accessibility: The policy emphasizes creating pedestrian-friendly environments with safe, accessible pathways, reduced reliance on personal vehicles, and increased use of public transport.
- Public Spaces and Amenities: The TOD policy encourages the provision of public spaces like parks, plazas, and community facilities in the vicinity of transit stations, enhancing the quality of urban life.
- Affordable Housing: One of the critical goals is to ensure that affordable housing is integrated into TOD zones, allowing people from different socio-economic backgrounds to live close to transit hubs.
- Environmental Sustainability: The policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by promoting public transit and reducing the dependence on private vehicles. This aligns with India’s broader goals of combating climate change.
- Institutional Framework: The policy outlines the roles of various stakeholders, including local governments, urban local bodies (ULBs), and developers, in implementing TOD projects. It also provides guidelines for planning, financing, and execution.
Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
- Reduced Traffic Congestion and Pollution:
- By promoting public transport and reducing the need for private cars, TOD helps decrease traffic congestion, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
- TOD encourages higher-density development, which minimizes urban sprawl and preserves natural landscapes and agricultural areas.
- Improved Public Health:
- With more emphasis on walking and cycling, TOD promotes healthier lifestyles, reducing the prevalence of obesity and related diseases.
- With services and amenities located near transit hubs, residents have better access to healthcare, education, and recreational facilities.
- Economic Growth and Increased Property Values:
- TOD areas typically attract businesses due to increased foot traffic, boosting local economies and creating jobs.
- Properties in TOD areas often see increased demand, leading to higher property values and rents, benefiting property owners and local governments through increased tax revenues.
- Social Inclusivity:
- TOD often includes mixed-income housing, making it easier for lower-income individuals to live in areas with good access to jobs and services.
- TOD designs focus on accessibility for all, including people with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to public spaces and services.
Challenges of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
- High Initial Costs:
- Developing the necessary infrastructure for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), such as transit stations, pedestrian pathways, and cycling lanes, can be expensive and require significant upfront investment.
- Securing funding for TOD projects can be challenging, especially in areas where public budgets are constrained or where there is resistance to increased taxation.
- Gentrification and Displacement:
- As property values increase in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas, there is a risk of gentrification, where lower-income residents may be priced out of their neighbourhoods.
- Ensuring that TOD benefits all residents, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged, requires careful planning and policy interventions.
- Complex Planning and Coordination:
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) requires the coordination of multiple stakeholders, including local governments, transit agencies, developers, and community groups, which can complicate the planning and implementation process.
- Zoning laws, land use regulations, and existing urban plans may need to be revised or negotiated, leading to potential delays.
- Market Demand and Behavioral Change:
- Encouraging people to shift from car-centric lifestyles to using public transit and active transportation modes can be difficult, especially in areas where car ownership is deeply ingrained.
- In some regions, there may be limited demand for high-density living, making it challenging to attract developers to TOD projects.
Conclusion
Transit-oriented development has the potential to create more sustainable, healthy, and economically vibrant communities.
However, its successful implementation requires overcoming significant challenges related to cost, equity, and coordination among stakeholders.
Proper planning, community engagement, and policy support are essential to maximize the benefits of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) while addressing its challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is transit-oriented development policy?
Ans: Transit-oriented development (TOD) is essentially a framework for planning, designing, and transforming urban areas to make the best use of public transport networks by orienting appropriate land uses in the urban space.
Q. What are the 8 principles of TOD?
Ans: The Eight Principles of TOD. The Eight Principles of TOD are WALK, CYCLE, CONNECT, TRANSIT, MIX, DENSIFY, COMPACT, and SHIFT. They illustrate the relationship between transport and land use. These principles form the Framework for the TOD Standard, a universal tool that can be used to evaluate and plan neighbourhoods.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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