Market demand for TOD varies throughout the region, affected by the quality of transit as well as other characteristics that matter to residents and businesses. They include proximity to jobs, access to the workers, access to services and amenities, the quality of local schools, the attractiveness of parks and open space, and the walkability of an area.
Planning for “complete communities” is an effective way to approach planning for TOD in many areas. It recognizes that the needs of residents and businesses relate to a range of characteristics that affect an area's livability and desirability, not the availability of transit alone.
Market Demand by Businesses
Many businesses want visible, central locations well-served by transit. Other businesses may be willing to locate near transit if a location has other desirable characteristics. Some industries, however, may not be suitable for locations served by transit because of very low job density and the need for highway access. CTOD's publication TOD 202: Transit and Employment emphasizes the needs of different industries, the travel behavior of employees, and the design of the built environment. Highlights include:
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Ensure that employment sites close to transit meet the needs of potential employers, such as nearby amenities and services.
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Retrofit suburban job centers to be more walkable.
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Undertake placemaking strategies.
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Encourage the retention and growth of jobs along mixed-use corridors.
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Match density with levels of transit service (either existing or planned).
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Be patient and realistic about achieving land use and economic goals near transit.
Market Demand by Residents
Demand for new multifamily housing is high in parts of the region with high-quality urban amenities that include transit. Households that value proximity to transit include those who rely on transit either by choice or because they have lower incomes. Many families with children may also appreciate high-quality transit service in locations where there are housing choices and a mix of amenities that include high-quality schools, parks, and libraries.
CTOD’s publication TOD 205: Families and TOD emphasizes the needs of families who may appreciate access to reliable transit but for whom other issues are also important. Highlights include:
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Create a sense of community and place through investments in parks, libraries, and community events.
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Ensure that neighborhoods are safe for kids to walk and bike.
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Families will value locations where schools are part of the community.
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Families will value locations with convenient access to daily shopping needs.
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Families will value transit access to regional employment and amenities.
Resources:
We Can Help!
Working with employers and developers around transit
Lucy Galbraith, Director
Metro Transit - Transit Oriented Development Office
[email protected]
612-349-7669
Commuter programs to serve employers and institutions
Theresa Cain, Manager
Metro Transit - Commuter Programs
[email protected]
612-349-7538