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Bay Area Must Move On Its Transit Future

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By SCOTT JONES

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 18, 2008

Did you know that of the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the United States, only Detroit and Tampa do not have transit systems?

Now, however, with the newly established Tampa Bay Area Transportation Authority (TBARTA), we have the opportunity - a once in a region's lifetime opportunity - to design a transit system with development in mind.

Just think about that - creating an integrated system built with transit-oriented development and development-oriented transit as key strategies - one that galvanizes the interests of all those who care about this community including environmentalists, business people, policymakers and the public alike.

Transit and Development Together

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is integral to a truly functioning transit network because it focuses on connecting people to the places they live and places they go. TOD provides people with travel options to reach their destinations.

Transit stations also are attractive development opportunities that create jobs, spark economic development and guide the direction of smart growth.

TOD also allows people to live within walking distance of efficient public transportation, reducing their dependence on cars. Residents of some TOD in Portland, Oregon, own 50 percent fewer cars compared to Portland residents in suburban locations.

Eliminating vehicles and vehicle trips reduces congestion, produces fewer emissions and uses less fuel, all helping to improve the environment, air quality and quality of life.

In cities with successful transit systems and properly located transit stations, TOD is able to create premiums for residential, office and retail uses. This is realistic when the transit system is designed with development in mind - development-oriented transit - and results in a convenient and efficient travel option for residents, workers and shoppers.

Tough Decisions Unavoidable

TBARTA's daunting task also is our community's chance to strengthen the connection between smart, sustainable development and transportation. For example, while I agree that urban centers are of great importance for transit hubs, large job growth is not just occurring in our downtowns but also in our suburban areas.

In fact, the majority of development in the last 20 years for office and associated commercial has been built in West Shore, Gateway, along the I-75 corridor and in other areas outside of the downtown cores, a trend that is likely to continue.

As such, I believe we must acknowledge that smart growth includes locating transportation nodes in existing suburban development so that people have easy access to a regional network near these employment centers, commercial and residential.

Today, we are at the precipice of incredibly important transportation decisions - decisions that will be instrumental in capturing the full potential of our great community. And as we face difficult - oftentimes conflicting - choices throughout this process, it will be paramount that we work together to create consensus that will support sustainable economic growth and protect our quality of life - a critical element of which is a healthy regional transit network.

So, when you think TOD, think Washington, D.C.'s Metro or the "tube" in London - efficiently designed, incorporating existing and planned development as well as redevelopment areas, and complementary to the economic vitality of its region.

Scott J. Jones is vice president of operations at Newland Communities, a member of TBARTA Citizens Advisory Committee and the Hillsborough County Transportation Task Force.

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