TRANSIT-BASED APPROACH TO LAND USE DESIGN

The nature of land use patterns that are sensitive to the needs of public transit was examined. Design elements that directly address the success of development activities and transit services are proposed; requirements for successful transit are discussed; and design guidelines for land use, access systems, and transit service types through a range of scales are provided. Transit-sensitive land use design can be developed through the designation of transit corridor districts (TCDs) that would separate transit- and auto-oriented land uses. Such areas would have a mix of land uses, with higher densities located near a transit route. A high-quality access system for pedestrians and bicyclists should be provided to permit easy connections between buildings and transit vehicles. Guidelines are developed for the overall administrative and policy issues, systems planning considerations, and specific designs of individual districts in which transit service is provided. A prototype TCD, based on the guidelines, illustrates how the guidelines can be applied at a specific location.