TOD Database

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Introduction

Created by the Center for Transit-Oriented Development (CTOD), the National TOD Database provides detailed population data for every existing and proposed fixed guideway transit station in the United States (as of October 2011). The database organizes information into a simple map format and allows you to examine economic and demographic data at the levels of single transit zone, collection of transit zones, or larger transit region. This allows planners and other government officials to study the population at a particular station, compare stations, and see how demographics around stations have changed over time.

How it Works

The TOD Database contains nearly 70,000 data characteristics from thousands of stations. It aggregates data from six sources:

• US Decennial Census, 2000
• US Decennial Census, 2010
• American Community Survey, 2005-09 5 Year Estimates
• Census Transportation Planning Package, 2000
• Local Employment Dynamics, 2002- 2009
• Housing + Transportation Affordability Index

Selecting a station allows the user to view a variety of reports, including journey to work, vehicle ownership, household income, and more. You can also create a custom report by picking individual datasets from each of the six sources and combining them. These reports can be downloaded in Word, Excel, or CSV format. Additionally, you can download CSV file containing names and locations of all stations in a region.

Applications

Transit Operators

Because the database contains information for stations all across California (and beyond), transit operators can use it not just to compare stations without their system, but to benchmark their performance against agencies in other parts of the state. Station area profiles can be used to create station typologies and enhance site targeting. Operators can use mode to work data to help assess system efficiency.

Planners

Transportation planners can use the mode to work and Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) information included in the database to analyze travel trends across various demographics. This lets you update travel demand models and plan future routes. Planners can also identify underutilized areas in which to prioritize development. Data on car ownership and other factors can help influence Transportation Demand Management programs.

Case Study

In Los Angeles, CTOD worked with Caltrans and the Los Angeles County Metro to analyze the city's current and proposed rail stations. CTOD created a typology in which stations were sorted based on the number of residents and workers in the half mile radius around stations and mix of land uses. This typology was useful in measuring development along rail lines. The report found that the land around stations in LA is generally highly developed, but there is room for the city to provide increase active transportation infrastructure.

Additional Reading

TOD Database User Guide

This 9-section guide gives background on the tool's data, contains illustrated directions on assembling and downloading reports, and presents additional practical applications and case studies. There is also a glossary and FAQ to help you navigate the database.