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The exciting fast-growing trend of TODTransit-oriented development is the exciting fast-growing trend in creating vibrant, livable, sustainable communities. Also known as TOD, it's the creation of compact, walkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use communities centered around high-quality public transport systems. ![]() Karen Petersen, development director at Tongaat Hulett Developments In South Africa, there is a significant base of public transit ridership, however those riders generally are economically disadvantaged, while others with higher incomes have access to private cars. The mix of jobs and housing helps reduce transport and opportunity costs for the poor, thereby raising living standards. Economically, transit access spurs demand for new development, enhancing the marketability of transit-oriented locations. This enhanced market value is particularly powerful in lower-income communities and areas that otherwise lack market access. Transportation and accessibility are the key to today’s economies and have become a focus of real estate development. Furthermore, TODs offer a potentially useful concept to drive the restructuring and transformation of South African socio-spatial patterns. Key componentsThe key components of transit-oriented development include walkable design with the pedestrian as the highest priority, higher densities (some developers are requesting FARs ranging from 3.0 to 5.0), mixed use developments/zones (both vertical and horizontal), highly walkable distances (approximately 15 minutes), adjacent to or in close proximity to intermodal transport nodes (taxi, rail, bus etc.), and specialised commercial (retail) offerings serving commuters and residents in the form of shops, cafes, etc. Key benefitsThe benefits of such forms of development include: Integrated transport and urban planning can undoubtedly create value for cities. Occupiers can further derive significant value from being located within close proximity to transport nodes subsequently providing investors with the ability to unlock the value, and harness the accessibility advantages of TOD development. Factors influencing TODs – critical success factorsBut if transit-oriented development is such a good idea, why isn’t it happening in more places? Research has shown that there are several factors influencing this, and the following conclusions have been made:
About Karen PetersenKaren Petersen is a director: SADC Group: Urban. She was previously development director at Tongaat Hulett Developments (THD), the land conversion and property arm of the listed agri-business and sugar conglomerate, Tongaat Hulett. View my profile and articles... |