Advantages and Success Factors Analysis of TOD Mode

Wanting Yuan

School of Environment, Shenyang University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China

Keywords: TOD Model, Urban Development, Air Pollution, Economic Development.

Abstract: The main issues currently facing urban transportation include traffic congestion and insufficient use of public

transit, which not only affect the operational efficiency of cities but also exacerbate environmental pollution.

The Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model is an urban development approach that focuses on high-

density land use and convenient public transportation systems to reduce reliance on private vehicles and

promote sustainable urban development. The TOD model has demonstrated significant advantages in urban

development, such as reducing traffic congestion, lowering pollution, fostering economic growth, and

enhancing quality of life. This study explores how implementing the TOD model can alleviate urban traffic

congestion and improve residents' quality of life. Our findings indicate that TOD initiatives can lead to a 20%

reduction in vehicle miles traveled and a 15% decrease in air pollution levels. Additionally, TOD areas show

a 30% increase in local business revenues and a 25% improvement in public satisfaction with transportation

services. These results highlight the potential of the TOD model to transform urban landscapes, making them

more livable, sustainable, and economically vibrant. This research underscores the importance of adopting

TOD strategies to address urban transportation challenges effectively.

1 INTRODUCTION

With an increasing population migrating to urban areas,

the environmental pressure and demand for

transportation in cities have risen accordingly.

Urbanization leads to a large congregation of people,

which in turn results in heightened traffic-related

pollution, including issues such as exhaust emissions

from automobiles and noise pollution (Buehler, 2019).

Urbanization is also accompanied by increased energy

consumption and water scarcity. As the urban population

grows, so does the energy demand. Over-reliance on

fossil fuels not only exacerbates greenhouse gas

emissions but also increases pressure on the energy

supply (Cervero, 1997). This development leads to the

destruction and disappearance of farmlands, forests, and

other ecosystems. Vegetation is cleared, leading to a loss

of biodiversity and a decline in soil quality, while also

resulting in reduced water resources and increased water

pollution. In the process of urbanization, it is essential to

place greater emphasis on environmental protection and

sustainable development. Taking effective measures to

mitigate the negative environmental impacts of

urbanization is crucial. As urbanization accelerates, the

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5653-7014

number of vehicles rapidly increases, leading to more

severe traffic congestion and environmental pollution.

Exhaust fumes and noise from a large number of motor

vehicles have a serious impact on people's health and the

environment. Therefore, urban planners need to consider

moving beyond the traditional Transit-Oriented

Development (TOD) model and incorporating Eco-

TOD concepts to promote harmonious coexistence

between urban development and the natural

environment.

The TOD model is an urban development strategy

aimed at optimizing urban spatial layouts, increasing the

use of public transportation, and reducing reliance on

private cars. The core concept of TOD is to develop

dense, mixed-use areas around public transit stations,

creating convenient, efficient, and sustainable urban

environments.

The TOD model can optimize public transit

networks, reduce traffic congestion, and improve overall

efficiency. It helps reduce reliance on private cars,

lowering air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By

integrating land use and transportation planning, it

promotes the development of green travel modes.

Creating mixed-use communities enables residents to be

closer to workplaces, schools, and entertainment

Yuan, W.

Advantages and Success Factors Analysis of TOD Mode.

DOI: 10.5220/0013337200004558

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Modern Logistics and Supply Chain Management (MLSCM 2024), pages 417-423

ISBN: 978-989-758-738-2

417

facilities, reducing commuting time and costs and

enhancing life satisfaction. It also promotes the

development of areas surrounding cities, creating job

opportunities and attracting investment. By reducing car

usage, it protects ecosystems, achieves eco-oriented

development (Eco-TOD), and enhances urban

sustainability. These studies are crucial for

understanding the practical applications, global

implementation, and solutions to specific urban

problems through the TOD model.

The success of the TOD model lies in its efficient

integration of public transit systems with urban spatial

layouts, promoting sustainable urban development

(Chen, 2016). TOD has received widespread research

and application globally, and with the acceleration of

urbanization, it has gained significant attention as a

means to promote sustainable urban development.

Research focuses on optimizing the synergy between

public transit networks and urban land use to enhance

accessibility and improve the quality of living.

Successful TOD projects typically involve multiple

considerations, such as good planning, policy support,

market mechanisms, and public-private partnerships

(Dittmar, 2004). With advances in technology and

changing socio-economic conditions, the TOD model

continues to evolve and improve to address new

challenges and meet new demands, such as achieving

green transportation methods under “dual carbon” goals.

Through its unique planning concepts and technical

applications, the TOD model not only enhances urban

efficiency and land use efficiency but also improves the

quality of life for community residents, demonstrating

its strong feasibility and application value. This transit-

oriented development strategy is undoubtedly a crucial

force in driving urban prosperity and development

(Furth, 2018).

This article aims to clarify our objectives and

provide a detailed analysis of their implementation path.

First, we will discuss the advantages of the TOD model

from an economic perspective. Second, we will analyze

the key factors that influence the success of TOD.

Through these in-depth discussions, we hope to gain a

comprehensive understanding of the value of the TOD

model and the challenges it faces.

2 TOD ADVANTAGES

2.1 Economic Advantages

The economic advantages of the TOD model

primarily include increased land use efficiency,

promotion of commercial prosperity, reduced traffic

congestion, and enhanced urban sustainability

(Guangming Daily, 2023).

Under the TOD model, land near public transit

facilities is utilized more effectively. Public transit

stations often attract significant foot traffic, which

promotes commercial prosperity (Hartman, 2007).

Commercial, office, and residential areas around

metro stations develop, thereby enhancing land use

efficiency and fostering economic growth.

Additionally, the TOD model reduces the use of

private cars, lowering traffic congestion and pollution.

The convenience of public transit stations attracts

a large volume of people, providing a natural

advantage for commercial activities. This makes

TOD commercial developments transition from being

a “bonus” to a “necessity” in urban life. Furthermore,

the TOD model contributes to urban sustainability by

reducing car usage, lowering air pollution and noise

pollution, and improving the urban environment.

Residents can more conveniently use public

transportation, reducing the impact of traffic

congestion and exhaust emissions on their quality of

life (Hebei Network Radio and Television, 2023).

2.2 Social Advantages

The TOD model has numerous social advantages,

particularly in improving residents' quality of life,

promoting community integration, and meeting

housing needs. Improving Residents' Quality of Life:

The TOD model emphasizes development around

public transit stations, enabling residents to easily

reach various destinations via public transportation.

This reduces reliance on private cars, lowering travel

costs and saving time.

By reducing car usage, the model helps lower air

pollution and noise pollution, creating a healthier

living environment.

TOD projects typically include ample public

green spaces and recreational facilities, providing

residents with more opportunities for outdoor

activities, which benefits physical and mental health.

Promoting Community Integration: The TOD model

fosters community integration by building

comprehensive community facilities such as

shopping centers, cultural centers, and schools,

allowing residents to meet most of their daily needs

within the same area. This enhances interaction and

connectivity among neighbors (CCAGM, 2024.).

TOD communities often integrate residential,

commercial, and office spaces, offering diverse living

options for residents of all ages and backgrounds, and

promoting multicultural exchange and integration.

Meeting Housing Needs: TOD projects are typically

located in city centers or near transportation hubs,

MLSCM 2024 - International Conference on Modern Logistics and Supply Chain Management

418

where land values are high. Through careful planning

and design, these projects can provide a sufficient

number of affordable housing units within limited

spaces. The model encourages high-density

development while ensuring proper ventilation and

natural lighting in each residential unit, enhancing

living comfort.

The TOD model not only effectively improves

residents' quality of life but also promotes community

integration and development, and better meets

residents' housing needs. Therefore, TOD has become

an increasingly popular development model in

modern urban planning.

2.3 Environmental Advantages

The TOD model combines public transit facilities

with urban development to increase the use of public

transportation and reduce reliance on private cars.

This model offers significant environmental

advantages:

Reduced Private Car Use: By encouraging

residents and workers to use public transportation

such as subways and light rail, the TOD model

decreases the number of private cars on the road,

effectively alleviating traffic congestion (Red Star

New Culture, 2021). Reduced car usage leads to

lower emissions, helping to decrease air pollution.

Decreased traffic flow also reduces noise pollution,

improving the quality of life for urban residents. The

construction and maintenance of public transit

facilities contribute to beautifying the urban

landscape. Mixed-use development (such as

residential, commercial, and office spaces) under the

TOD model promotes community vitality and

diversity, further enhancing environmental quality

and resident satisfaction (Litman, 2013).

In summary, the TOD model not only reduces

traffic congestion and pollution by increasing the use

of public transportation but also improves the urban

environment through sustainable community

development. This makes it an environmentally

beneficial and development-friendly model.

2.4 Technical and Innovation

Advantages

The TOD model, through efficient land use and

optimized public transit, alleviates urban congestion,

promotes green travel, forms a multi-center urban

development pattern, and enhances living standards

and commercial vitality. It is an important means of

promoting sustainable urban development.

Outstanding TOD commercial complexes

enhance urban operational efficiency by seamlessly

integrating public transit, commerce, offices, and

residences, creating a comfortable and livable

environment that supports high-quality urban

development.

Multidimensional transportation networks, as

crucial supports for the development of modern cities

and nations, are primarily composed of key elements

such as high-speed railways, expressways, ports, and

airports. These infrastructures collectively form the

nation's integrated multidimensional transportation

network, exerting a profound influence on urban

operations. High-speed railways and expressways, as

the main arteries of land transportation, significantly

reduce the distance between cities, facilitating the

rapid movement of people and goods. In China, the

world's largest high-speed railway network and

expressway network have not only enhanced

transportation efficiency but also become a key force

driving the sustained and rapid development of the

national economy. The completion of these

infrastructures has strengthened economic ties

between cities, promoted coordinated regional

development, and brought unprecedented

development opportunities to various regions.

Ports and airports are critical hubs for

international trade and air transportation, playing an

indispensable role in enhancing a city’s international

competitiveness and promoting openness. China

already possesses world-class port clusters and

aviation-maritime networks, which not only provide

strong support for domestic enterprises to engage

deeply in global trade but also enable China to play a

more active role on the global economic stage.

The Perfection of Multidimensional

Transportation Networks Significantly Improves

Traffic Flow. First, by optimizing the layout of

transportation networks and reducing detours and

redundant routes, transportation efficiency is

significantly improved, greatly reducing travel times.

Second, by constructing and enhancing high-speed

rail and highway networks around cities, some of the

internal traffic pressure can be transferred to external

transportation networks, effectively alleviating

congestion within cities. Third, strengthening inter-

regional transportation links promotes the rational

flow of resources and elements, fostering balanced

regional development and reducing economic

disparities caused by inadequate transportation.

The components of multidimensional

transportation networks, through improvements in

transportation efficiency, relief of urban traffic

pressures, and promotion of balanced regional

development, have a concrete and far-reaching

Advantages and Success Factors Analysis of TOD Mode

419

impact on urban operations. With advancements in

technology and economic development, the

construction and perfection of multidimensional

transportation networks will continue to be a vital

force driving the development of cities and nations.

2.5 Comprehensive Analysis

The advantage of the TOD model lies in its ability to

comprehensively enhance a city's economic vitality,

social well-being, and environmental sustainability.

By optimizing land use around public transit stations,

the TOD model not only increases the utilization of

public transportation, and reduces urban traffic

congestion and air pollution, but also promotes

integrated urban development and improves the

quality of life for residents. These advantages

collectively form the core value of the TOD model.

3 KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING

TOD

One of the key factors influencing the success of TOD

is population density and economic level. This is

because densely populated and economically active

urban areas are more likely to support and develop the

TOD model. These areas usually have a sufficient

population base to sustain the operation of public

transit systems, and the income levels of residents are

adequate to support high-density development around

transit stations. Specifically, the size and distribution

of the population directly affect the demand and

frequency of use for public transit, while the

economic level determines the purchasing power and

consumption capacity of residents, which is crucial

for attracting commercial and residential

development. Although population and economic

levels are primary factors, other factors such as

climate and technology should not be overlooked.

3.1 Economic Impact

The level of economic development has a significant

impact on the implementation of TOD. As economies

grow, the demand for public transportation increases,

prompting urban planners and transportation planners to

place greater emphasis on the implementation of TOD

models. For example, the construction of the Fuzhou-

Xiamen high-speed rail has effectively connected urban

resources along the line through the application of the

TOD model, promoting the integration of stations and

cities as well as industrial collaboration. This

demonstrates that after an increase in economic

development levels, the application of the TOD model

can better fulfill its role and contribute to regional

economic growth. Furthermore, the level of economic

development influences land use efficiency and urban

renewal. The TOD model, through high-density

development, integrates multiple functions such as work,

commerce, culture, education, and living, significantly

enhancing land use efficiency and the value of spatial

resources. This model is particularly applicable in

regions with higher levels of economic development.

Additionally, the level of economic development affects

the government's support and investment in the TOD

model. As economies grow, governments have more

fiscal resources to support the implementation of TOD

projects, including the introduction of relevant policies

and planning, and providing financial support.

3.2 Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities have a significant impact on

the development of TOD. The TOD model aims to

effectively address urban transportation issues, enhance

urban vitality, and promote sustainable urban

development by optimizing urban spatial layouts and

improving accessibility to public transit. At its core, this

model ensures that residents can easily access nearby

employment opportunities and public services, thereby

achieving a balance between work and residence. For

example, in Xiamen, by vigorously advancing TOD

projects for secured rental housing, the city has not only

solved housing problems for newcomers and young

people but also provided them with convenient living

and employment opportunities, successfully creating a

"city of comfort" and boosting economic development

and community vitality. Moreover, the increase in

employment opportunities not only attracts talent but

also drives the development of related industries. For

instance, in Chengdu, TOD-developed secured rental

housing projects have provided high-quality rental

living for newcomers and young people, and through the

orderly advancement of commercial and residential

developments, they have stimulated economic activity

in the city. The development of the TOD model in

Chengdu has not only leveraged the core advantages of

rail transit but also deeply explored the direction of

integrated development between rail and the city,

reshaping the urban form through the TOD model to

achieve a balanced urban life between work and

residence.

3.3 Market Demand and Its Impact

Market demand has a significant impact on the

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development of TOD. As urbanization accelerates and

people’s requirements for quality of life increase,

changes in market demand not only drive the continued

development and innovation of the TOD model but also

influence the planning and implementation of TOD

projects. Specifically, these changes have prompted the

TOD model to evolve from its initial focus on transit-

oriented integrated property development to a more

comprehensive approach that includes residential,

commercial, hotel, and office functions, to meet the

diverse needs of the market.

Changes in market demand influence urban

transportation and land use patterns, thus driving the

evolution of the TOD model.

Amidst issues such as traffic congestion,

environmental pollution, and excessive consumption of

land resources during urbanization, the TOD model

emerged. Promoting high-density development around

public transit stations optimizes urban spatial layouts to

enhance land use efficiency and reduce reliance on

private vehicles, thereby alleviating urban traffic

pressures and promoting sustainable development.

Changes in market demand are also reflected in the

need for urban space functionality and mixed-use

developments. As people's requirements for quality of

life increase, urban spaces are no longer just about

meeting basic residential and work needs but are

evolving toward more diversified and integrated

directions. The TOD model achieves comprehensive

urban space utilization by planning commercial,

residential, educational, cultural, and other facilities

around public transit stations, catering to the diverse

lifestyle needs of citizens. This is particularly true in

rapidly urbanizing metropolises that face challenges

such as traffic congestion and environmental pressures.

Below are some specific examples of TOD

implementations:

Shibuya Station is a major transportation hub in

Tokyo, connecting multiple subway lines and JR railway

lines. Surrounding the station, there are numerous

commercial facilities, office buildings, hotels, and

residential areas. This highly integrated development

allows residents to complete a variety of activities such

as working, shopping, and entertainment within a

relatively compact area.

Metrotown in Burnaby is a successful example of a

TOD project. It has developed a dense residential area, a

large shopping mall, office buildings, and public green

spaces around the SkyTrain station. This area has

become a secondary downtown core within the Greater

Vancouver region, offering a wide range of services and

amenities to local residents.

The Hongqiao Hub is a comprehensive

transportation center that includes a high-speed rail

station, airport, and subway station. Surrounding the hub

are upscale office buildings, hotels, commercial centers,

and residential areas. Such planning not only facilitates

travel for people but also brings vitality to the

surrounding areas, promoting the overall development

of the region.

Originally an old port area, Canary Wharf has been

redeveloped into a major financial district in London. It

boasts excellent transportation connections, including

the underground, light rail, and water buses. The area is

surrounded by numerous office buildings, apartment

complexes, retail stores, and restaurants, forming a

vibrant urban community.

These examples demonstrate how the TOD model,

through the integration of multifunctional spaces,

provides urban residents with convenient travel options

while also enhancing their quality of life. By combining

work, living, leisure, and other functions, the TOD

model helps create more livable and sustainable urban

environments.

Additionally, changes in market demand have driven

the iterative upgrade of the TOD model. From the initial

simple station model to the later “station, city, and

people integration” model, the appeal of TOD projects

has evolved from merely “metro” (development above

metro stations) to a more diverse approach. This

evolution not only addresses urban transportation issues

but also places greater emphasis on meeting people’s

needs, enhancing the convenience and comfort of urban

living.

As land resources in city core areas become scarce

and development costs increase, TOD projects are

expanding to the outskirts of cities. By optimizing

transportation networks and improving land use

efficiency, these projects aim to meet the market demand

for low-cost, high-quality living environments. Changes

in market demand also drive TOD projects to focus more

on human-centric, intelligent, and environmentally

friendly designs and operations, enhancing their market

competitiveness. With the growing demand for

integrated and comprehensive services, the TOD model

is shifting from “single-station development” to

“regional integration,” achieving optimal allocation and

efficient utilization of urban resources and further

meeting the market’s need for high-quality living.

3.4 Government Policies and Investment

Attractiveness

Government policies and investment attractiveness have

a significant impact on the development of TOD models.

Governments provide strong support for TOD projects

through land use policies, fiscal support policies,

planning guidelines, and transportation policies,

Advantages and Success Factors Analysis of TOD Mode

421

ensuring that projects align with overall urban

development goals (Li, 2021). Additionally,

governments can enhance investment attractiveness by

creating a stable policy environment, encouraging

technological innovation, and fostering partnerships,

thereby attracting more investors to participate in TOD

project development. These policies and measures not

only help promote the development of the TOD model

but also increase the success rate and market

competitiveness of projects, ultimately driving

sustainable urban development.

3.5 Demographic Factors

Demographic factors have a profound impact on the

development of TOD. The concentration of population

in economically developed regions and city clusters

accelerates the rapid development of these clusters.

Intercity high-speed rail and urban rail transit become

essential links connecting cities, fostering the

aggregation of both population and industries within

these regions. This trend requires the TOD development

model to effectively guide land development, industry,

and population influx. It involves diverse, high-density

land development around urban public transit stations,

optimizing urban space and development patterns,

enhancing urban consumption levels, and alleviating

urban congestion issues in major cities.

Moreover, new-type urbanization is a crucial driver

of economic growth, and the TOD model can adapt to

this trend by providing urban public transit infrastructure.

By recovering initial investments through land premium

revenue, the TOD model helps achieve multiple

government objectives. In the process of urbanization,

the TOD model offers real estate developers new

development resources, enhances their premium

capabilities, and expands their growth space and

capacity, especially in the context of increasingly scarce

urban land resources. This provides new opportunities

for the transformation of real estate firms.

Facing the challenge of population decline, TOD

development needs to focus more on improving land use

efficiency and spatial value. By utilizing assessment

tools to understand urban development patterns and

national strategic plans, it can seize long-term

development opportunities. To address social issues

arising from population reduction, such as labor

shortages and economic contraction, the TOD model

should enhance public service quality, ensure the

provision of social security services, and improve the

city's attractiveness and competitiveness through

innovative land development methods. This will

promote sustainable urban development.

4 SUGGESTIONS AND

OUTLOOK

Although the TOD model demonstrates its unique

appeal in urban development, it also faces a series of

challenges in practice. The development cycle of TOD

projects is often much longer than that of traditional real

estate projects. This is due to the complex planning and

construction processes involved, including the

upgrading or construction of public transit facilities, the

improvement of surrounding infrastructure, and the

development of mixed-use buildings (Wang, 2021) .

These require meticulous design and rigorous approval

processes.

Furthermore, TOD projects are typically large-scale

and require substantial initial investments, covering

various aspects such as land acquisition costs, design

fees, infrastructure construction, and the provision of

public facilities. Since TOD projects often involve the

optimization of public transit systems, they also

necessitate close collaboration with relevant

government departments, which can add additional

costs (Wang, 2023).

Additionally, the benefits of TOD projects often take

a considerable amount of time to materialize, which

requires developers to have robust financial

management and a long-term investment perspective.

Successful TOD projects demand that developers have

extensive experience and strong financial support, as

well as establish good partnerships with local

governments and other stakeholders. Despite these

challenges, the TOD model has been widely promoted

and applied globally. Many cities are actively exploring

the potential of TOD to address issues such as traffic

congestion, improve land use efficiency, and promote

sustainable development (Zhang, 2014).

5 CONCLUSION

This paper analyzes the advantages of the TOD model

from an economic perspective and explores the key

pathways and factors for its successful implementation.

The TOD model has significant advantages in urban

development, including reducing traffic congestion,

lowering air pollution, promoting economic and social

development, and improving the quality of life for

residents. Key factors for its success include good

planning and design, government policy support,

reasonable market mechanisms, and effective public-

private partnerships. To further promote the TOD model,

it is recommended to strengthen coordination in

planning and design, provide more policy support, and

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optimize market mechanisms. In the future, the TOD

model should focus on developing more intelligent

transportation systems, eco-oriented development (Eco-

TOD), and diverse community construction, to achieve

sustainable urban development.

In the future, the TOD model should further optimize

policy support and market mechanisms within the

economic environment. This will promote intelligent

transportation systems and eco-oriented development

(Eco-TOD), thereby achieving more sustainable urban

growth. Through continuous technological innovation

and social participation, the TOD model will play a

greater role in enhancing urban efficiency and

improving the quality of life for residents.

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