Fact Box: TOD ( Transit-Oriented Development )

February 24, 2013

First phase of TOD pilot projects approved in Delhi
Approval has been granted for the implementation of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) pilot projects along four metro corridors and another pilot project near Karkardooma in Delhi. It will be implemented by the UTTIPEC (Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre) which is working to develop a vision and strategy for the creation of a mass-rapid transport system in the Capital. The UTTIPEC, which is a division of the Delhi Development Authority, will conduct at least 25 workshops in the months ahead focusing on the metro corridors b/w Chattarpur to Arjangarh and Peeragarhi to Teekri Kalan.
What is TOD and why it is being implemented?
Transit-oriented development (TOD):

It is a mixed-use residential and commercial area in such a fashion so as to maximize access by Transit and Non-motorized transportation. In a TOD residential and commercial districts are located near and around a transit station/corridor which provides high quality service, good walking area, good parking management and many other design features that facilitate transportation use and maximize overall availability.

Objective:

TOD is designed in order to maximize access to public transport. It would make public transport the first choice of travel for all sections of society.
It incorporates features that promote transit ridership.
Emphasize on building a transport system friendly to walkers, cyclists and women.

Features:

A TOD neighborhood typically has a center with a transit station or stop (train station, metro station, bus stop, etc.)
Streets have good Connectivity.
Traffic control features.
Parking Management.
Mixed-use development that includes shops, schools and other public services, and a variety of housing types and prices, within each neighborhood.
A TOD is surrounded by relatively high-density development with progressively lower-density development spreading outward from the center.
Radius of a TOD generally varies from 400 to 800 m from a transit stop, as this is considered to be an appropriate scale for pedestrians. Intense Zone: Inner zone of radius 300 meters, it will have high-density mixed use development, pedestrians and non-motorized transport.
Then there are two more concentric zones of 800 meters and 2 km with high-density street network and equitable distribution of road space.
It is generally believed that transit riders will walk up to a quarter-mile to a bus stop and a half-mile to a train station, albeit in practice a portion of transit riders will walk somewhat more.

Some of the benefits of TOD include:

Reduced household driving and thus lowered regional congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Walkable communities that accommodate more healthy and active lifestyles.
Provides Housing and Mobility choices
Improves environmental performance
Results in infrastructure cost savings
Helps supports healthy life-styles
Strengthens Transit systems
Creates lasting value
Increased transit ridership and fare revenue.
Improved access to jobs and economic opportunity for low-income people and working families
Expanded mobility choices that reduce dependence on the automobile, reduce transportation costs and free up household income for other purposes