Key Players

The conception, planning, and implementation of TOD involves a variety of stakeholders.

Transit Agency.The transit agency has three major roles in TOD: it operates the transit itself, holds responsibility for any changes to the station and station parking, and may own land surrounding the station and its right of way. Transit agency priorities are usually to increase ridership, serve existing riders, and earn money from leasing their land.

Local Government. Local government is responsible for any zoning changes, incentives, and other legislative and procedural aspects of TOD. Infrastructure improvements typically also require public investment. Local jurisdictions appreciate TOD’s potential to create jobs, reduce congestion, and increase the tax base.

Private Developers. Developers can be attracted to TOD for a variety of reasons. Some merely want to take advantage of density bonuses or other incentives. Others are familiar with the principles of TOD from the start and see it as a good investment. A TOD project may have one or many developers. Developers’ concerns are generally financial return, reputation, and ease of development.

Residents. TOD can offer existing community residents new opportunities and improved quality of life—or displacement and further exclusion. Residents have first-hand knowledge of local transit service and community needs; they should be involved at all stages of the TOD process, especially initial goal-setting and reviewing development proposals.

Community Groups. A wide range of community organizations—including community development corporations, social service agencies, and environmental and transit advocacy groups—should be actively involved in the TOD planning process. These groups can help organize local resident and business participation, and also keep developers accountable to the community.

Local Businesses . Local businesses in a station area often serve current transit riders and are interested in how TOD will affect their customer base; owners can provide insight on pedestrian and shopper patterns.

Nonprofit Developers. Nonprofit developers can serve as the main developer, as in Oakland’s Fruitvale Transit Village project, built by the Unity Council. Nonprofit can also participate on a team of TOD developers, focusing on affordable housing or other community-oriented aspects of the project.

Non-local Government. Federal, state, and regional agencies—including quasi-governmental entities like metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), public authorities, and economic development corporations—can play a variety of roles in TOD, including land assembly, zoning considerations, infrastructure improvements, environmental regulation, and project financing.