Are TODs triggering ridership?

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a design concept centred around creating communities with easy access to public transportation, typically involving a mix of housing, office spaces, and retail. The idea is to encourage more people to use public transit rather than relying on private vehicles. But are TODs really driving an increase in public transportation ridership or are other factors at play?

Veritas Design Group principal Ng Yiek Seng believes that the relationship between TODs and increased ridership hinges largely on perception. “It is always about perception. Perception change and the ease of use versus other modes of transport, such as private vehicles, will be the starting point for increased ridership. TOD facilitates the possibility for people with a good perception of public transport to actually buy into TODs and utilise public transport,” he explained.