The relevance of transit-oriented development for transit station community in Malaysia

Abstract

Transportation has become a crucial element to be considered for most development in city centre today. Although Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) seems as a decent solution for population growth and related urban issues, however how much does it really provide benefit to the community within the station area. This study will discuss and explore the relevance of Transit-Oriented Development towards communities within the transit station area with the idea of creating liveable and livelier urban living environment in Malaysia context. The study will explore the theoretical aspect of Transit-Oriented Development and Transit Station Community concept by indentifying the related guiding principle and approach for further understanding on this topic. The study carries out through descriptive method through content analysis on related documents to identify the prevalent issues and current planning direction within Greater Kuala Lumpur/ Klang Valley region which related to TOD. The study and analysis found several important consideration for TOD project such as each station area have its own distinctiveness, every participant in the project have their own end result expectation and high density residential environment is different from the nature of conventional residential area. The study conclude that TOD is a possible solution for urban growth in Kuala Lumpur, however every party should understand and limit their expectation based on its capability. In addition, integration between jurisdiction, developers and community itself is high needed with several consideration on local aspect and details during planning and design stage in order to ensure the successful of the development.