Parking Studies : Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) :

What are the opportunities for implementing shared-parking strategies in a transit-oriented development?*

The mix of land uses typical in TOD projects provides many opportunities for shared parking. The utilization of the same parking space by multiple user groups (i.e., parking for commuters during the day, and residents or retail patrons in the evening and weekends) maximizes the use of the parking area, reduces the amount of parking needed to be built, and financially supports the facilities’ capital and operating expenses (if parking fees apply).

Through the application of shared parking principles for TOD projects, the amount of parking to be built can be reduced, thereby enhancing the project’s economic viability, benefits, and economic return. Shared parking also reduces the land devoted to parking, and provides more developable area, open space, and amenities. Consolidating parking for multiple uses allows for the opportunity to increase the area’s “sense of place”, reduces the cost of developing and maintaining parking, and increases the security and user comfort due to increased user activity.