Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) paves the way for Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC). Transit-Oriented Communities are a way of planning cities so that people can live, work, shop and hang out near good public transportation, like buses or trains. Instead of having to drive everywhere, a TOC makes it easier for people to walk, bike or take transit to get where they need to go. These areas are usually built around a bus stop or train station. They have comfortable sidewalks, shaded parks, housing, stores and offices all close by.
The goal is to make neighborhoods more connected and convenient. If you live in a Transit-Oriented Community, you might be able to walk to school, grab a snack from a nearby café and catch the bus downtown without ever needing a car. That helps reduce traffic, cuts down on pollution and makes life easier for people who don’t drive—like students, seniors or those who can't afford a car.
Transit-Oriented Communities can also make neighborhoods more active and interesting. Instead of big parking lots and long commutes, you get places where people get a chance to mingle with others on the sidewalk. They can easily enjoy public spaces and support local businesses. It's about designing communities that are more about people than cars—and helping cities grow in a smart, sustainable way.
Read more about how TOD, TOP, and TOC relate. (PDF)