Transit-Focused Development: A Progress Report

Abstract

Abstract The wave of rail transit construction across North America in recent decades has renewed interest in promoting transit-related development. Many older cities and suburbs developed land use patterns integrated with transit service, but many newer communities have developed in ways that cater to automobiles and make transit service infeasible or costly. Concentrations of development in downtown areas have benefited from and provided support to the existing transit systems and the initial phases of new systems; as transit lines extended into suburban areas, however, transit-supportive development around stations became more problematical in terms of marketability and political acceptance. This survey of experience with transit-focused development (TFD) in 19 communities describes transit-related development characteristics; discusses the significance of market forces in achieving TFD; identifies public policies, regulations, and programs that encourage TFD; and provides a synoptic chart of experience with station-area development. The factors that spell success for TFD are illustrated in the wide variety of policies and practices employed in the 19 regions.