Unraveling the diversity in transit-oriented development

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is widely recognized for its potential to create high-density, mixed-use, and pedestrian-friendly environments. It aims to reduce reliance on cars, promote non-motorized travel, and advocate the utilization of various transportation modes. Due to these expected benefits, TOD has gained popularity and widespread adoption across cities. However, not all transit areas are developed according to TOD principles. Therefore, this study aims to identify different types of TOD in the United States and examine travel behavior of residents within each type. By capturing the diverse conditions of 4,400 existing transit station areas across the United States, this study reveals four TOD types: business district, town center, neighborhood, and suburban station areas. Using data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey, this study identifies variations in residents’ travel behavior, encompassing mode share and multimodality across these TOD types. The findings highlight the need for tailored strategies in specific contexts and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of TODs. Furthermore, they offer valuable insights into effective design and implementation strategies for promoting sustainable and multimodal travel behavior within TODs.