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REPORT ON TOD'S AND BRT:

Even more recently, TCRP Report 102, Transit-Oriented Development in the United States: Experiences, Challenges, and Prospects, synthesizes and analyzes the results of an extensive survey on TOD activity. The 145 agencies responding to the survey identified TOD projects and the type of associated transit service, with just under eight percent identified as associated with bus service of any kind. The report’s Los Angeles area case study includes a brief discussion of TOD and BRT, and reports that in Los Angeles no TOD projects had broken ground or were in the planning stages as of the time the survey was completed.

LRT EXPERIENCE IN PORTLAND OREGON:

From all reports, TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) has been the preeminent driving force behind the Portland Streetcar project and is considered its major success.

the streetcar line continues to serve as an important element of the city's plans to strengthen existing neighborhoods, create new ones, and reduce dependence on automobile travel. Anecdotally, new housing and commercial developments along its path are thriving in what is an otherwise lackluster local economy; people are making lifestyle choices in which the streetcar is one of their choices for travel, including their work and school trips; and they are reducing use of their automobiles. Likewise, existing businesses along the line and new business locating there are advertising their proximity to it.

The streetcar line has been a catalyst for development. Initially, this was focused on the Pearl District, an urban renewal area of former railroad yards and abandoned warehouses near the middle of the line and now the scene of explosive housing growth and neighborhood development. However, there have been numerous buildings and land parcels elsewhere along the line which have capitalized on the line's popularity. Through the first quarter of 2003, more than 40 new construction or renovation projects valued at over $1 billion have been started along the line, with more on the drawing board.

TACOMA WASHINGTONS 1 MILE LRT LINE:

Likewise, Tacoma's streetcar (Tacoma Link) appears to be having a major impact on adjacent development.
improving mobility options and reducing street and parking congestion have been only one of the major goals of the Tacoma Link streetcar system. Another critical objective has been to stimulate vigorous real estate development and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Tacoma. This strategy has been meeting with overwhelming success.

Helped substantially by the streetcar construction project, Tacoma's downtown had been experiencing a kind of rebirth even before the Tacoma Link service started. But since the LRT service began in late August, things have really been booming.

Another clear example of the amazing and unique power of rail transit – even a tiny tramway or streetcar system – to pull motorists out of their cars, and to pull in new business development as transit-oriented development to help achieve urban revitalization goals.

The evidence appears clear that streetcar systems can have a significant impact in terms of influencing urban development and attracting TOD.

FROM SALEM OREGON STREETCAR STUDY:

• Streetcar costs are higher than bus infrastructure,
but lower than light rail. The cost for streetcar
construction is approximately $20-$40M per mile
and $2.5-3M is typical for each car. By comparison,
a rubber-tired trolley costs less than $500,000 per
vehicle and does not require rail infrastructure, but
generally does not generate the ridership or private
investment associated with streetcars.

• Streetcars catalyze and organize development.
Throughout their history, streetcar lines have been
an organizing principle behind new development.
Streetcars can help create dense pedestrian environments
where access to local streetcar stops is
possible by foot. Historically, bus routes are added
once an area has developed and the demand is in
place.

Anyone want to see our CBD bloom? Want to see theme development in Springfield, Riverside, Avondale, San Jose and San Marco? "THINK RAIL, TRASH THE (BRT) BUS!"

Ocklawaha

SOURCES:
TCRP Repot #102
City of Portland
City of Tacoma
City of Salem
Light Rail Now