Walkability Key in Transit Development

Posted by Shayna Pollock on July 20, 2011 |

CEOs for Cities' research on walkability and housing prices, Walking the Walk, found that walkability, as measured by Walk Score, adds significant value to residential property. Phoenix, recognizing the value of Walk Score as a measurement tool for transportation, housing, and employment location, is utilizing the data to measure the performance of transit-oriented development from a land use perspective. The addition of Walk Score data to the planning process will help Phoenix to use place considerations in the construction of future development.

Read the article here for more information.

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‘Transformative Sustainable Infrastructure’

Posted by Rebecca Eggleston on February 05, 2009 |

While Perth, and most Australian cities, have a long way to go to transform themselves into sustainable exemplars, it is exciting to hear of the changes in motion and the benefits stemming from new planning, investment in transport infrastructure and TODs. 

“In Perth, this sprawling capital city is attempting—with a regional plan (Network City) and major new extensions of its rail system—to reduce dependence on private cars…. The journey-to-work data between 2001 and 2006 show that Perth increased its use of rail by 44 percent and its use of cars by just 15 percent.”  According to this new book, Green Urbanism Down Under, between 1991 – 2001 rail ridership grew from 8 million to 31 million riders per year and again to 47 million by 2005 as a result of new metro rail.  With the addition of a new extension recently completed, patronage is expected to double again – which would take Perth from no rail to 100 million passenger trips a year in 15 years. 

From a personal perspective, it is heartening to hear from home of all the people now using the new train line to get to work, their evening engagements and, of 'course,…

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