What Type of Transit Supports TOD?
Locating the right land uses adjacent to transit is only part of making a successful TOD. The ease of riding transit is also an important component. Important attributes that transit service must possess to support TOD include:
- Frequent service (every 10 minutes or less during peak periods, every 20 minutes or less during off-peak periods).
- Service throughout the day, every day of the week.
- High quality transit stops or stations that provide enhanced waiting amenities for passengers.
- The transit station can function as a major stop for through transit service and/or as a transit centre for several transit routes that terminate at the TOD.
The type of transit that serves the TOD is less important than the service it provides. Service can be provided by on-street mainline routes on an adjacent Quality Corridor, by BRT routes on a transitway, or by a rail route.
Is Cold Weather a Barrier to TOD?
The short answer is no - TOD always needs to adapt to climate. Examples abound in many climates: in the rain (Portland and Vancouver BC); in the heat (Miami and Phoenix); or in the snow (Chicago and Ottawa).
The design of TOD requires land uses to be in close proximity to each other increasing the feasibility of using transit. In Calgary, a recent study found that the walking distances to transit increase in the winter, likely due to people wanting to avoid the messy and potentially dangerous roads caused by snow and ice.
Whether it be rain, snow or heat, the climate in a particular location must be addressed in the design of TOD. Places with extreme weather often have more underground tunnel connections from the transit station to adjoining land uses to allow people to stay indoors. They also provide transit shelters that protect people from the elements.
Last update:
June 10, 2010
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