What is Transit Oriented Development (TOD)?
TOD describes new buildings developed around existing or planned transit stations. The objective is to make transit stations a focal point for community growth. This brings more riders to transit, too. Ideally such developments would add residences or offices along with small-scale retail that doesn’t require cars to haul purchased goods. Transit often adds value to properties and encourages new development. In many cases communities seize the opportunity presented by a new transit line to leverage the potential for planned growth that brings more services, jobs and residences to neighborhoods within walking distance of transit stations. TOD is sometimes facilitated by government agencies that offer land they own to help stimulate development. In the case of the Red Line, the Maryland Department of Transportation has set aside funds to help communities further their growth goals through Transit Oriented Development. Examples of such win-win partnerships exist in Owings Mills and State
