Transit-Oriented Development

What is Transit-Oriented Development?

Transit-oriented development (TOD) refers to a mixed-use development in close proximity to a public transit station, which provides a community with a variety of transportation options, multiple uses in a compact setting, and pedestrian-friendly design. When done right, TOD confers a number of important economic, environmental, and social benefits to a variety of stakeholders. As Boston, Washington D.C. and other cities across the country demonstrate, TOD can serve as a very effective approach for capitalizing on transit assets to increase housing opportunities; provide access to jobs; and improve the safety and appearance of neighborhoods.

NeighborhoodsNow's TOD Initiative

Philadelphia is a city with extraordinary assets that include an extensive public transportation system. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the fifth largest regional public transportation network in the United States and averages 910,700 week day city transit rides. Yet, potential real estate growth around neighborhood transit stations is stymied by zoning limitations, undesirable land uses, and safety concerns. Not acting upon the potential of these transit hubs is short sighted, especially in this time of rising gas prices and for a City in which households spend 52.7% of their income on housing and transportation combined.

Three years ago, NeighborhoodsNow realized the importance of transit as a key redevelopment strategy and launched its TOD Initiative. Working with a wide range of partners on policy and planning projects, NeighborhoodsNow is paving the way to make TOD a reality in Philadelphia.

Current Projects

Econsult Report – NeighborhoodsNow commissioned one of the nation's more respected economic research firms specializing in transit—Econsult Corporation to write Transit-oriented Development in Philadelphia: Using a Proven Strategy to Create More Vibrant Livable Neighborhoods. This report examines the barriers to TOD and identifies opportunities for stakeholders to overcome these obstacles. Download the Executive Summary. [1.2MB PDF]

TRID Plans – On November 13, 2008, NeighborhoodsNow sponsored a forum to present the City's first Transit Revitalization Investment Districts (TRID) plans for the 46th and Market Street El and Temple Regional Rail. These plans provide implementation and financing strategies to improve access to transit and range from small-scale, low-cost clean and safe improvements to large-scale mixed-use redevelopment projects.

TOD Zoning – Following up on the Econsult recommendation to create a model TOD zoning classification, NeighborhoodsNow contracted with the nationally-recognized planning team of Farr Associates and Reconnecting America to craft TOD zoning standards that can be used to facilitate development at key transit stations. Working in partnership with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, this project will be complete by June 2009.

TOD Real Estate Development Projects – In addition to the policy and planning work to unlock the systemic barriers to TOD, NeighborhoodsNow provides technical assistance to community development corporations (CDCs) to complete demonstration projects.

National Partner

NeighborhoodsNow also works with national organizations as part of its strategy to facilitate TOD in Philadelphia neighborhoods. Learn more about TOD activities throughout the country by visiting www.reconnectingamerica.org