We may observe the success of implementing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) strategies in developing areas around public transport stations in the capitals of various countries, leading to the perception that only capitals and surrounding cities are eligible for TOD development. However, development does not have to be limited to these areas. The criteria for identifying high-potential areas for TOD development fall into five categories as follows:

1. Regional Transportation Hubs

            Large transport stations located in the central cities of each region serve as major passenger transport interchange hubs with the highest potential for TOD development. For example, in Thailand, cities like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Phetchaburi, Songkhla, and Chonburi have public transport stations that are sufficiently capable of becoming regional transportation centers, connecting travel to nearby provinces through other modes of transport such as interprovincial buses, boats, or airplanes for quick access to destinations. Therefore, regional transportation hubs are the primary targets for TOD development following the capitals.

2. City Transportation Hubs

Public transport stations in various provinces serve as travel centers that are the next tier below regional transportation hubs. However, not every province can fully develop according to TOD principles. Investment in development must consider the urban development plans, population growth rates, and economic conditions to determine the appropriate level of investment.

Some provinces may be too small to develop under high-density TOD principles but can opt for low to medium-density TOD development strategies and plan for long-term area development to accommodate future urban growth.

3. New Transportation Hubs

            In addition to existing public transport station areas, new public transport station construction sites will also be considered as viable investment opportunities for TOD and are included in urban development plans worldwide. These areas are often built on vacant land with no prior communities, making it easier to plan urban layouts that fully adhere to TOD principles, thus representing high potential for development.

This is another option that can be developed in any area, whether it is a regional transportation hub or a provincial transportation hub, especially in cases where existing public transport stations face legal development issues or lack local community cooperation. Finding new development areas can help mitigate these resistances, and nearly every country tends to adopt this method to aid in developing surrounding economic areas, effectively distributing prosperity and alleviating congestion in the capitals.

4. Community Transportation Hubs

            In some areas, even if they are not significant as provincial or regional travel centers, they hold importance in tourism, key economic zones, industrial areas, ports, or unique communities with dense populations, such as industrial estates, university community areas, or communities near famous tourist attractions. All of these areas have the potential for full TOD development.

5. Special Transportation Hubs

            The definition of special transportation hubs refers to areas that are significant as large national or international transportation centers, serving as international travel connections, such as international high-speed train stations, public transport stations at border crossings, public transport stations connecting to international airports, or large ports serving as stopovers for international shipping. These special travel connection points tend to develop into specific economic zones with high growth rates, allowing for TOD investment in the form of national trade centers that can significantly stimulate economic growth.

            These five types of areas are those that will be considered for TOD strategies to distribute prosperity across the country, encourage the public to use public transport services, and enhance the quality of life in everyone’s residential communities. However, TOD development in all areas requires public cooperation alongside clear government development policies to ensure that development proceeds in a unified direction, prioritizing the benefits of all parties involved.

Thank you for the information from SRT Asset Co., Ltd.