TOD Down Under

Transit-oriented development is catching on in Australia, as several projects spring up around Brisbane. The article is accompanied by a photo gallery of recent developments.

1 minute read

November 21, 2008, 8:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


"Constructing a mixed-use development of residential, commercial and retail space on top of public transport infrastructure is not a new idea.

Major cities in Europe and North America embraced the idea of living and working around bus, tram and rail nodes decades ago, Colliers International research analyst Lachlan Walker said.

Geared around creating 'walkable communities', transit-oriented developments - or TODs as they are known - bring together a range of uses and are designed to link working, living, learning and entertainment.

A central aim is slash people's reliance on cars, which is critical in a city like Brisbane where traffic congestion is a growing problem.

'TODs usually result in reduced car usage, reduced car ownership, increased use of public transport, reduced carbon footprint, increased local business activity and more efficient use of existing infrastructure,' Mr Walker said."

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 in Brisbane Times

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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

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