Eliminating Barriers to Transit-Oriented Development

Transit-oriented development refers to dense, mixed-use development near transit facilities, particularly denser housing development. Achieving such density is a politically difficult goal. In New Jersey, the main barriers are community concerns about the potential of new development to cause parking problems, increased traffic, and negative fiscal impacts because of increased school enrollments. This report provides evidence comparing the auto use, auto ownership, parking use, and school enrollment of residents of new housing near rail stations with those of households living in older housing near rail stations as well as households living farther away in both old and new housing. Data collection consisted of structured interviews; a field audit of parking supply and occupancy; and, a survey of households. Residents of new housing constructed close to a rail station have fewer children than households residing in new housing more than a half mile from stations, or households in older housing regardless of location. Auto ownership and auto commuting are correlated much more strongly with housing type and tenure, with on-street parking availability, and with the larger geographical context than with rail station access.