Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

Definition

Measure of relationship between change in density and change in ridership at MetroLink stations

Why is it Important?

The transit system works most efficiently when potential riders and destinations are located close to transit stations. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is a strategy that promotes higher-density mixed-use development focused at transit stations, along with walkable and attractive environments that make it easier to take transit or reach destinations without an automobile. Through developments that support higher residential densities, more services such as grocery stores and daycare facilities may become viable in areas around transit, which improves quality of life for local residents and transit riders. Likewise, the development of higher employment densities provides more employment opportunities for transit riders and local residents. This indicator measures the change in density around transit stations as well as the change in ridership on the MetroLink. Increased ridership benefits the community by reducing pollution, reducing congestion, and measurably reducing the combined housing/transportation household cost index for a given area.  In addition to the benefits of increased ridership, TOD supports local economic development by encouraging neighborhood revitalization and increases the amount of money circulating in the local economy by reducing residents’ transportation costs.

How are we Doing?

The method for this indicator is under development.

Geographic Level

St. Louis eight-county bi-state region, including Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis counties and the city of St. Louis in Missouri and Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties in Illinois. View map.

Notes

¹Metro Transit System, St. Louis Regional Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Best Practices Guide, 14 January 2011; accessed on 2 January 2014 at http://www.onestl.org/media/site/documents/reports/transit-oriented-development/Metro%20TOD%20best%20practices_v2.pdf