What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?

TOD involves the concentration of development around transit stations; the most common are train stations, but they can be bus, light rail, or any other public transportation station. Development is typically mixed-use and dense, providing residents amenities in close proximity. The goal is to create livable and sustainable places in which people can live, work, and play all in the same community, without requiring the use of a car.

What TOD resources are available in New Jersey?

There are many resources available about TOD in New Jersey. On this website you can find a growing collection of relevant literature, as well as research from VTC and other resources we’ve compiled from around the web.

What TOD is happening in New Jersey?

For the latest updates on TOD projects in New Jersey (and around the country), subscribe to the Transit-Friendly Planning Newsletter and check out this website frequently for new articles.

How will TOD benefit my community?

TOD can provide many benefits to communities. Because of its emphasis on dense, mixed-use development, residents are able to easily walk or bike to home, work, and recreation, improving their health. Fewer cars also mean less pollution and better air quality, as well as potentially fewer accidents. The narrower streets and slower speeds associated with TOD also increase the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. With development concentrated downtown, other land can be preserved as productive farmland or recreational open space. Attractive, community-oriented downtowns with cultural and recreational amenities also encourage residents to spend money in the community and invites visitors, contributing to the community’s economic vitality. Property values also tend to be highest for those nearest the transit stop.

What are the elements of transit-oriented development?

While the elements of TOD will vary from community to community, there are some elements that are found in most projects. These include:

• Medium- to high-density housing and employment centers
• TOD projects within a half-mile from the transit stop
• Mixed-use (housing, commercial, office, retail, civic)
• Streets accessible, safe, and attractive for all users
• Street and block design at pedestrian scale
• High street connectivity
• On-street parking or parking decks, instead of surface parking