Policy challenges for transit-oriented development

Australasian cities are highly car dependent as a result of historical development patterns. Given peak oil and climate change challenges, these patterns are clearly not sustainable. Transit-oriented development presents an alternative urban development paradigm. Under transit-oriented development principles, urban development integrates with mass transit provision, based on a commitment to development centred on transit hubs. Transit-oriented development represents a radical challenge to business as usual for planners, developers and private enterprise. This study considers the case of Wellington, New Zealand, and examines the progress made to implement transitoriented development within the existing planning regime. Barriers and opportunities for the integration of transitoriented development are discussed, as are the implications of these. Results indicate that significant changes need to take place within the current planning framework if transit-oriented development is to become viable. More broadly, challenges and opportunities for the application of transit-oriented development principles in car-dependent cities are identified, together with implications for decision-makers.