Transit Oriented Development

People are more inclined to use transit if it is within convenient walking distance to where they work, live, or shop, and if adequate walkways are provided to link those activities. Communities may use zoning to encourage concentrated and/or mixed use development within walking distance of transit services. Some communities have established transit overlay zones where higher densities are allowed within a quarter mile walk from a fixed route transit stop.

Communities can also plan for service centers which encourage the use of public transit by creating convenient and accessible shopping and services for transit riders. Service centers are made up of services clustered near transit stops to create convenient, one-stop shopping for transit riders. Typical services included in these centers include childcare facilities, dry cleaning businesses, parcel pickup and drop off, and convenience store shopping.