Transit-oriented development in future cities: towards a two-level sustainable mobility strategy

In this paper, a two-level sustainable mobility strategy for future cities is suggested and the potential key role of transit-oriented development (TOD) is discussed with reference to both the internal and external movements of people. In particular, a people-oriented and place-based approach is advocated. Governments should endeavour to move beyond simply pledging to reduce carbon emission to a specific level by a certain year but to adopt a life cycle approach in guiding the planning and development of future cities. There may need to be a shift in the system with a different balance of transport modes. Moreover, the correct type and mix of transport modes need to be provided with respect to where people and their activities are. Moreover, it is necessary to explicitly recognize the value of travel for both economic and non-economic purposes. Building upon the existing literature, this paper proposes three new directions for planning TODs in future cities. Firstly, the built environment should be understood at both the neighbourhood and city scales. Secondly, the success of TODs needs to be judged not just by the public transit patronage but also by the share of walking and other urban planning and design features like greenery and vibrancy. Thirdly, it is neither possible nor desirable to have uniformly high density, diversity and same design in every TOD neighbourhood. Using Hong Kong as an example, five major types of TOD neighbourhoods are identified. For intercity movements, integrated transport with seamless intermodal transfers and station–neighbourhood integration should be developed in future cities. More research should be done on quantifying and fostering the co-benefits associated with TOD.