Transit-oriented development is a pattern of development that supports (and is supported by) an efficient transit system. The goal of transit-oriented development is to create communities where dependence on the automobile is reduced, and where the balance of multiple means of transportation (transit, automobiles, bicycles, walking) help to increase the accessibility of goods and services to people of all ages and incomes, the affordability and variety of housing, and the energy and resource efficiency of neighborhoods, cities and regions.

Q. What is a charrette?

A charrette is an inclusive, creative, collaborative planning process that brings together a project sponsor, a multidisciplinary team of experts, and stakeholders to establish a shared vision and build consensus around a feasible plan of action. A charrette typically compresses discussion, decision-making and design into a focused and efficient process that lasts between four and seven days, during the course of which the stakeholders work together to identify shared values and principles and turn them into real designs. Although the charrette is based on collaborative and design-oriented approaches to problem solving commonly associated with architecture, charrettes can be used to create everything from detailed plans for a specific site to broad policies that direct the future of a region. They have become an important tool for empowering people to take direct and active responsibility for solving problems, shaping the quality and character of the places where they live, and determining the future of their communities.

Q. What are pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods?

These are communities where goods and services needed by a resident on a daily basis are within an easy and comfortable walking distance of their residence. Studies show that walkable communities are desirable places to live, work, learn, worship and play. Pedestrian friendly communities place an emphasis on planning and design decisions that make walking not only possible but enjoyable.

It is not all about the pedestrian, however. In order for walking to make sense, it is important that neighborhoods are planned to support a mix of uses in relatively close proximity, and that streets are designed to contribute to the character and value of a place while supporting multiple means of transportation (including the efficient accommodation of the automobile). Pedestrian friendly neighborhoods are not places that exclude automobiles, but places that are designed to enhance people’s mobility and access to goods and services by allowing for (and integrating) as many different modes of transportation as possible. Pedestrian friendly neighborhoods are also places designed so that the mix of accessible uses not only enhances value, stimulates economic activity, and supports lively social exchange among the people of a community. Pedestrian-friendly standards remind us that we not only need to provide people with the means to move about, but also with places worth going to.

Q. What is a bus rapid transit system?

A bus rapid transit (BRT) system is like an express bus that operates with greater frequency and offers faster and more comfortable trips to common destinations compared with a regular bus route. A BRT system uses dedicated lanes (or its own right of way) so the buses can bypass traffic congestion. A BRT system typically moves between stations designed so a person has not only a shorter but a more comfortable wait compared with an ordinary bus stop. Finally, the BRT system uses vehicles that are attractive and offer a more comfortable ride, with fewer stops and more direct routes.

The proposed route would link the Sarasota campus of the University of South Florida and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport on the north end with Westfield Sarasota Square Mall on the south end. Implementing the BRT would serve employment needs along this corridor, provide economic development opportunities and reduce traffic along one of the most heavily congested corridors in Sarasota County.

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Q. How would it operate?

Bus rapid transit systems are a relatively new means of urban mass transportation. The system typically offers premium services on existing roadways or dedicated rights of way. Service frequency ranges from eight to 20 minutes and the distance between stops ranges from one-quarter mile to two miles.

Q. Where can I learn more?

Click on the Transportation Links navigation on this Web site.

Q. What are pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods?

These are communities where goods and services needed by a resident on a daily basis are within an easy and comfortable walking distance of their residence. Studies show that walkable communities are desirable places to live, work, learn, worship and play. Pedestrian friendly communities place an emphasis on planning and design decisions that make walking not only possible but enjoyable.

It is not all about the pedestrian, however. In order for walking to make sense, it is important that neighborhoods are planned to support a mix of uses in relatively close proximity, and that streets are designed to contribute to the character and value of a place while supporting multiple means of transportation (including the efficient accommodation of the automobile). Pedestrian friendly neighborhoods are not places that exclude automobiles, but places that are designed to enhance people’s mobility and access to goods and services by allowing for (and integrating) as many different modes of transportation as possible. Pedestrian friendly neighborhoods are also places designed so that the mix of accessible uses not only enhances value, stimulates economic activity, and supports lively social exchange among the people of a community. Pedestrian-friendly standards remind us that we not only need to provide people with the means to move about, but also with places worth going to.

Q. What is a bus rapid transit system?

A bus rapid transit (BRT) system is like an express bus that operates with greater frequency and offers faster and more comfortable trips to common destinations compared with a regular bus route. A BRT system uses dedicated lanes (or its own right of way) so the buses can bypass traffic congestion. A BRT system typically moves between stations designed so a person has not only a shorter but a more comfortable wait compared with an ordinary bus stop. Finally, the BRT system uses vehicles that are attractive and offer a more comfortable ride, with fewer stops and more direct routes.

The proposed route would link the Sarasota campus of the University of South Florida and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport on the north end with Westfield Sarasota Square Mall on the south end. Implementing the BRT would serve employment needs along this corridor, provide economic development opportunities and reduce traffic along one of the most heavily congested corridors in Sarasota County.

Q. How would it operate?

Bus rapid transit systems are a relatively new means of urban mass transportation. The system typically offers premium services on existing roadways or dedicated rights of way. Service frequency ranges from eight to 20 minutes and the distance between stops ranges from one-quarter mile to two miles.

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