By Shashikant N Sharma

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a planning and design strategy that promotes compact, walkable communities centered around high-quality public transportation systems. The concept has evolved over time, drawing from various urban development practices, transportation innovations, and planning philosophies. Its history can be traced through several key phases:

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1. Early Inspirations (19th to early 20th Century)

The roots of TOD can be traced back to the development of rail-based suburbs in Europe and North America during the 19th century. As cities industrialized, railways and streetcars enabled the development of new residential communities beyond the congested urban core:

• United Kingdom: The garden city movement led by Ebenezer Howard in the late 1800s emphasized self-contained communities with strong rail connectivity.
• United States: In cities like Boston and New York, neighborhoods developed along streetcar lines, giving rise to the term streetcar suburbs.
• India: Colonial-era developments such as New Delhi were also shaped by railway access and hierarchical planning.

These early examples were not called TOD, but they shared its core principle: locating housing, jobs, and services near transit.

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2. Post-War Suburbanization and Auto Dependence (1945–1970s)

After World War II, especially in countries like the U.S., there was a significant shift toward automobile-centric suburban development. Public transit declined in favor of highways and low-density suburban sprawl:

• Urban decentralization led to spatial separation of land uses (residential, commercial, industrial).
• Public transport use declined sharply.
• This period marked a retreat from TOD-like principles, as city planning favored highways and parking over compactness and accessibility.

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3. Emergence of the TOD Concept (1980s–1990s)

The term “Transit-Oriented Development” was formally coined by American architect and planner Peter Calthorpe in the early 1990s. His book The Next American Metropolis (1993) outlined TOD as a response to the problems of sprawl:

• He defined TOD as compact, mixed-use communities within walking distance (usually 400–800 meters) of a transit stop.
• Calthorpe advocated for integrating land use and transit planning to create more sustainable and livable urban environments.
• During this period, cities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe began incorporating TOD into their long-term growth strategies.

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4. Global Adoption and Expansion (2000s–Present)

TOD gained global traction as cities recognized the need for sustainable urban growth:

• Asia: Cities like Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul developed sophisticated TOD models with high-density developments above or around metro stations.
• Europe: Many cities enhanced existing TOD frameworks with tram, metro, and cycling integration.
• India: The National TOD Policy (2017) was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to guide integrated land use and transport planning. Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru have initiated TOD projects around metro corridors.
• Latin America: BRT-based TOD emerged in cities like Bogotá and Curitiba.
• TOD has also been integrated into climate resilience strategies and affordable housing policies.

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5. Contemporary Trends and Innovations

Recent developments have further evolved TOD:

• Technology Integration: Smart mobility, Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), and data-driven planning enhance TOD effectiveness.
• First-Last Mile Solutions: Cycling, e-scooters, ride-sourcing, and pedestrian infrastructure are increasingly emphasized.
• Inclusive TOD: Focus on equitable access to housing, gender-sensitive design, and affordability.

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Conclusion

Transit-Oriented Development has evolved from early rail-based planning to a comprehensive urban development strategy adopted worldwide. As cities grapple with climate change, congestion, and social equity, TOD remains central to efforts to create compact, connected, and sustainable urban forms.

References

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Dittmar, H., & Ohland, G. (Eds.). (2012). The new transit town: Best practices in transit-oriented development. Island Press.

Knowles, R. D., Ferbrache, F., & Nikitas, A. (2020). Transport’s historical, contemporary and future role in shaping urban development: Re-evaluating transit oriented development. Cities, 99, 102607.

Lund, H. (2006). Reasons for living in a transit-oriented development, and associated transit use. Journal of the American Planning Association, 72(3), 357-366.

Sharma, S. N. (2024). Sustainable Transit-Oriented Development: A Solution to Urban Congestion. Track2Training

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). Assessing the Transit-Oriented Development and Travel Behavior of the Residents in Developing Countries: A Case of Delhi, India. Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 151(3), 05025018.

Sharma, S. N., Kumar, A., & Dehalwar, K. (2024). The Precursors of Transit-oriented Development. EPW Economic & Political Weekly, 59(16), 14.

Lodhi, A. S., Jaiswal, A., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Assessing bus users satisfaction using discrete choice models: a case of Bhopal. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 9(11), 1-27.