Linking Bus Transit to Land Development: Evidence from Austin, Texas

Transit-oriented development, which emphasizes higher densities, mixed land uses, and facilities for non-automobile modes of transportation, offers a potential alternative to automobile-oriented suburban development. While historically this type of land development has occurred near rail facilities, many cities are now considering bus rapid transit rather than rail. This raises the question: Under what conditions can bus transit support transit-oriented development? This paper presents a case study of Austin, Texas, where significant apartment construction occurred on University of Texas shuttle bus routes in the 1990s, and explores the conditions contributing to this development. This case demonstrates the potential for bus transit to support at least limited forms of transit-oriented development, even in the absence of public initiatives.