Talking TOD: learning about transit-oriented development in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands

Abstract

City and regional governments in North America and the Netherlands are implementing transit-oriented development (TOD) policies to provide residents with accessible and compact communities that are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable. Through 13 in-depth semi-structured interviews with planners and transportation professionals in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, this study attempts to identify the factors that practitioners in these regions determine to be essential for the post-development success of TOD. Our analysis reveals that seven key elements contribute to the success of TOD which are approached differently by planners in the three regions. The study concludes by suggesting ways in which professionals could integrate land use and transportation projects based on planning for flexibility, accessibility, and collaboration.

Keywords:

• Transit-oriented development
• land use
• transportation
• urban planning
• semi-structured interviews

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the 13 urban planners, transportation professionals, and TOD managers who provided their time and input on which this paper has been based. We would also like to thank Angela Brinklow for providing us with the inspiration, framework, and contact information which allowed the execution of this project, and Ana Tepavac for her assistance with the North American interviews.

Notes

1. New Urbanism is a set of development practices to create more attractive, efficient, and livable communities. Features include a transit stop, retail businesses, public spaces, and amenities at its center such as gardens and public buildings (Burchell et al. 2000).

2. The European concept of the Compact City combats urban sprawl by indirectly targeting the negative consequences of auto-dependent neighbourhoods (Hofstad, 2012; Nabielek 2012; Naess 2003; Naess et al. 2011; Raman 2010).

3. There are a number of measures of density, with the consensus being a minimum of 10 to 30 dwelling units per acre (Boarnet and Compin 1999, Calthorpe 1993; Cervero 2004).

4. StedenbaanPlus is a comprehensive program for spatial development and public transport the Dutch province of South Holland.