“Transit-oriented development” – becoming loose talk?

“Some time back, I wrote an article on the subject, “Transit-oriented development requires more than transit and development.” The two must be coordinated, and that word “oriented” is in the phrase for a reason. As I wrote before, placing development near transit is good; but orienting the development to the transit is better, and more effective for creating a sustainable, well-functioning community.

What does that require? There must be adequate density and a walkable environment; the densest, most walkable portions of the development should be placed closest to the transit stop; commercial and mixed-use buildings should also be close to the stop, with their primary entrances highly accessible to transit passengers, to facilitate multi-purpose trips; buildings and public spaces should be designed to make the area around the transit station or stop feel inviting, comfortable, and secure; design should make it easy for transit and bicycle transfers and vehicle drop-offs; single-family residences may be placed a bit farther away; and so forth.”

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/kbenfield/transit-oriented_development_-.html

Benfield, Ken. Switchboard 26 July 2013.