Simulation-Based Approach for Analyzing the Regional and Local Impacts of Transit-Oriented Development on Congestion and Emissions

The effects of transit-oriented development (TOD) on congestion reduction and its environmental benefits have not been extensively tested in the current literature. This paper proposes a mathematically rigorous definition for TOD and develops advanced tools to investigate the various benefits of TOD. A large-scale microscopic traffic simulation model and the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) MOVES (Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator) model have been employed to evaluate TOD performance in the transportation system and investigate its environmental benefits. Results suggest that TOD reduces total delay in the whole simulated network by 4 percent and by 35 percent for the trips originating from TOD zones. By converting the amount of travel time and fuel consumption savings into equivalent monetary values, the TOD scenario provides a total of $20,586,800 from travel time savings ($20 value of time) and $604,074 savings in fuel consumption annually for the PM peak period. However, the effect of TOD on travel time and fuel savings is more significant in the local surroundings of TOD zones.