Debunking The Myths About TOD

Responding to critics of Denver's planned TOD developments, TOD expert John Renne responds to four common misconceptions about transit-oriented development.

2 minute read

May 19, 2008, 11:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Dr. John L. Renne, an assistant professor of Urban Planning and Transportation Studies at the University of New Orleans, says that despite what some people believe, transit oriented developments can help protect the rural and suburban nature of communities surrounding Denver.

Tenet # 1 - TODs do nothing to curb sprawl

TOD is not the silver bullet, but its part of the solution. Let me give you an analogy. A person that weighs 300 lbs. and is on the verge of a heart attack cannot solve their problems with just taking a few magic pills. They must change their lifestyle by exercising, a change in diet, and possible some medicine. Our cities are unhealthy. Transit and TOD are an important part of the solution, but they are not a panacea.

...

Tenet # 3 - Nonpolluting electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles will make TOD unnecessary in the future.

Even if cars could run on air with no negative by-products, TODs are still needed because of traffic...Also, what are you going to do when you get to the age that you can no longer drive? Many studies show that the isolation of seniors in car-dependent neighborhoods is a big problem and will only worsen in the future. AARP is now promoting TOD as a needed alternative so that seniors can have mobility options as they age. TODs encourage a healthier lifestyle by allowing for residents to get more active transport (ie. walking and biking) in their daily routine. Studies show this to be part of the reason that Europeans live longer and spend less on health care per capita than Americans."

Friday, May 16, 2008 in The Rocky Mountain News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Dense multistory residential buildings in hilly San Francisco, California.

Opinion: What San Francisco’s Proposed ‘Family Zoning’ Could Really Mean

Mayor Lurie is using ‘family zoning’ to encourage denser development and upzoning — but could the concept actually foster community and more human-scale public spaces?

4 hours ago - The San Francisco Standard

Blue self-driving Ford Transit van shuttle in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US

A fleet of 14 fully autonomous vehicles will serve a 3.5-mile downtown Jacksonville route with 12 stops.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Blue sign with white gas pump symbol with electric plug and "EV"

‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Guts EV Tax Credits

The bill eliminates federal subsidies for electric vehicle buyers and charging stations.

6 hours ago - Engadget

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA