Policy challenges for transit-oriented development Available to Purchase

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 transit-oriented development within the existing planning regime. Barriers and opportunities for the integration of transit-oriented 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.