The use of TOD can provide a range of benefits to residents, the environment, the transit system and the community. From the RTA’s perspective, supporting the implementation of TODs can ultimately increase transit ridership by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of transit investments. Some estimates state that TOD may increase transit use by 20-40%.  Improved access and circulation routes in and around the station area make the station more visible and accessible for riders.

Alternatively, TOD can reduce rates of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and help relieve traffic congestion. The use of TOD has been shown to lower annual household rates of driving by 20 percent to 40 percent for those living, working, and/or shopping near transit stations.TOD can provide benefits beyond providing a trip or increasing mobility options, such as:

• Functionally integrate the station into the community. Transit facilities should not be viewed as a barrier in the community. Through access improvements and transit-oriented development or redevelopment, the station can become a focal point or gathering place within the community.
• Stewardship of the facilities. In some instances, maintenance and upkeep of the facilities is the responsibility of the community. If the community views the station as an asset, they are more apt to maintaining the station (i.e. landscaping, snow removal, lighting, commuter amenities, etc)
• Increase in public safety. TOD development results in active places that are busy through the day and evening. Having such activity and lots of people around provides "eyes on the street" and helps increase safety for pedestrians, transit users, and many others.
• Bolster households' disposable income. Housing and transportation rank as the first and second largest expenses in households, respectively. TOD can increase disposable income by reducing household driving costs: one estimate shows a household saving $3,000 to 4,000 per year. The access to so many amenities in just a few short blocks can significantly increase a family's disposable income by eliminating the need for a second car.
• Reduce air pollution and energy consumption rates. Since TODs provide safe and easy pedestrian access to transit, air pollution and energy consumption rates can be lowered. Also, TODs can reduce rates of greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 to 3.7 tons per year for each household.
• Conserve resource lands and open space. Because TOD consumes less land than low-density, auto-oriented growth, it reduces the need to convert farmland and open spaces to development.
• Support economic development. TOD is increasingly used as a tool to help revitalize aging downtowns and declining urban neighborhoods, and to enhance tax revenues for local jurisdictions.
• Decrease infrastructure costs. Since TOD features more compact development and often results from infill development, local governments can often reduce up to 25 percent of the infrastructure costs of expanding water, sewage and roads.
• Contribute to more affordable housing. TOD can add to the supply of affordable housing by providing lower-cost and accessible housing, and by reducing household transportation expenditures. Housing costs for land and structures can be significantly reduced through more compact growth patterns.

(Several of the above benefits were identified in 2002 report completed by the California Department of Transportation, “Statewide Transit-Oriented Development Study:  Factors for Success in California”)