Polycentricity and TOD-ness synergy: A novel composite index for integrated development of employment centers and residential cores in transit-oriented neighborhoods

Abstract

Proximity of transit-oriented development (TOD) goals to polycentric urban development in the field of controlling negative effects of urban sprawl reinforces polycentricity and TOD-ness spatial synergy. Furthermore, identification of transit-oriented neighborhoods that have high potential to become secondary employment centers (ECs) is one of the most important challenges facing urban transport planners and land use policy makers. This research explained integrated development of ECs and residential cores (RCs) in transit-oriented neighborhoods using a novel composite index. The index is designed based on TOD-ness and polycentricity measures using spatial statistical methods and helps urban planners and policy makers to better identify polycentric TODs as transit-oriented residential neighborhoods with high potential to become secondary employment centers. Research findings confirmed higher accessibility of polycentric TODs to public services and public and private transportation that have better integration in the development of urban facilities and transportation systems. Furthermore, the findings confirmed polycentricity and TOD-ness spatial synergies in polycentric TODs.