Definition of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and its Application in Jakarta

The concept of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) has been increasingly talked about in 2019 due to the development of mass public transit systems, especially the MRT, in Jakarta. However, not many people understand Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and what it entails. Here are 5 things to know about Transit Oriented Development (TOD):

1.Definition of Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is a regional development concept that focuses on mass transit points, especially those that intersect with other transportation networks. There are at least three points that must be present in the development of Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The three are integration between mass transit networks , reduction of motor vehicle use, and increasing the intensity of land use.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) areas prioritize walking, cycling and mass transit as the main modes of mobility. By measuring the ability and desire to walk, the TOD area has a radius of 350-700 meters from the transit center to other activity centers.

So, where is the development of TOD areas in Indonesia? So far, the TOD concept in Indonesia is developing in Jakarta and also several other big cities.

2.Transit Oriented Development (TOD)Area Criteria

Some of the criteria that a TOD area must fulfill are:

• TOD areas are located around public transportation stops that are passed by mass public transportation such as KRL/MRT/LRT/Busway.
• Buildings in the TOD area are taller than other areas so that activities are centered in the TOD area because there is a significant increase in density .
• One TOD area should be multifunctional, such as residential, shopping centers and offices.
• TOD areas should have good pedestrian and bicycle facilities and good connectivity.
• TOD areas should limit the availability of private vehicle facilities.

3.Benefits of Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

In general, the application of the TOD concept is certainly beneficial for implementingsustainable development and improving the quality of life in a city. The various benefits of TOD for the people of a city include:

• Short travel time
• People are healthier because they walk more
• Transportation costs are cheaper with mass transportation
• Reduced air pollution
• More time for family due to proximity of activities
• With shorter travel times, people are less stressed out

4.Indicators of a successfulTOD

In many countries, TOD development is an effort to achieve a better and healthier transformation of the city for its residents. Some indicators of a successful TOD include:

• Pedestrian-oriented development .
• TOD areas have pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and transit spaces between transportation networks and have active building facades. Connectivity between buildings, especially with station or terminal buildings, is also good.
• Open spaces for a vibrant public.
• Available around the TOD area, the open space will serve as a gathering point or resting point for passengers around the TOD area.
• A building that is always on 24 hours.
• Mixed-use for each building in the TOD area so that each building is always alive and creates a sense of comfort for the people around it.

5.Challenges in developing TODarea in Jakarta

The development of TOD areas requires an integrated approach for proper implementation of the plan at every level. During the preparation of the TOD area development plan, some challenges that will be encountered include:

• There is nomasterplan analysis of the area, so there is no comprehensive and sustainable TOD development planning.
• The TOD area consists of several areas owned by the private sector and the government and there is no regulation on who manages the TOD area.
• There has been no revision of local regulations on density limits. TOD areas should have higher density with mixed activities than other areas.
• There are not enough incentives for land or building owners to improve connectivity around their properties to make them ideal for TOD areas.
• The often small size of land parcels around mass transportation stations limits the function and density of buildings that can be built.

Jakarta has just started projects with the TOD concept in the MRT station area. A properly implemented TOD concept in Jakarta will make the city more humane and livable for its people.