Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Trip Distribution • Transit Master Plan • Transportation Demand Management

Transit Oriented Development

Term from Transportation Planning industry explained for recruiters

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is a planning approach that creates walkable, dense communities centered around public transportation hubs like train stations or bus terminals. It's like creating mini-cities where people can live, work, and shop without needing a car. Think of apartment buildings, shops, and offices all within walking distance of a train station. This concept is becoming increasingly popular as cities try to reduce traffic congestion and create more sustainable communities. Some people also call this "sustainable neighborhood development" or "transit-adjacent development."

Examples in Resumes

Led community engagement for Transit Oriented Development project near downtown metro station

Designed Transit-Oriented Development plan incorporating mixed-use spaces and pedestrian infrastructure

Created zoning recommendations for TOD projects in three major transit corridors

Managed Transit Oriented Development studies for regional transportation authority

Typical job title: "Transportation Planners"

Also try searching for:

Urban Planner Transportation Planner Land Use Planner Community Development Planner TOD Specialist Sustainable Development Planner City Planner

Where to Find Transportation Planners

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach implementing a TOD project in a community that's resistant to density increases?

Expected Answer: Should discuss community engagement strategies, demonstrating successful case studies, addressing parking concerns, and showing economic benefits to the community. Should mention phasing approaches and stakeholder management.

Q: What factors do you consider when evaluating the potential success of a TOD location?

Expected Answer: Should mention transit accessibility, existing land use patterns, market conditions, demographic trends, and policy environment. Should discuss ways to measure walkability and community needs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key elements that make a TOD project successful?

Expected Answer: Should discuss mixed-use development, appropriate density, walkability, public spaces, and transit connectivity. Should mention the importance of retail mix and housing diversity.

Q: How do you balance parking requirements with TOD principles?

Expected Answer: Should explain strategies for reducing parking requirements, shared parking arrangements, and managing community concerns about parking while maintaining TOD goals.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is Transit Oriented Development and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain the basic concept of development around transit stations, benefits like reduced car dependency, and how it promotes sustainable community development.

Q: What's the typical walking radius considered for TOD projects?

Expected Answer: Should know that TOD typically focuses on a quarter-mile to half-mile radius from transit stations, explaining why these distances matter for walkability.