Sustainable Transit-oriented development in Brazil

The key to sustainable urbanization is transit-oriented development (TOD) - a planning strategy focussed on building compact, mixed-use neighborhoods with access to high-quality public transport and mobility options.

The challenge

Brazil is moving towards a 90% urbanization rate within the next ten years and a large part of its existing urban network already shows the wear of decades of rapid growth with little or no planning. The government is working on TOD and needs help identifying the gaps.

Rebel, together with IBI group, developed a TOD strategy for two Brazilian cities: Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro. The main activities included: (i) data compilation and inventory by reviewing and analyzing previously completed and current planning efforts underway in the areas of study in order to identify gaps in policies, strategies, and development projects (including a regulatory and institutional review of real estate development, use of land value capture instruments, and relevant taxation; (ii) study of transit and station characteristics in the areas of interest; (iii) leading stakeholder engagement workshops to share identified transit-first goals and targets, prioritize goals, identify markets, generate project interest and solicit feedback;

(iv) definition and prioritization of TOD areas; (v) assessment of the applicable land value capture tools available in Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro; (vi) analysis of risks and development of recommendations to ensure adaptable planning and informed decision-making; (vii) drafting of TOD recommendations; and (viii) identification of financing strategy and economic development strategic plan. The plan for Belo Horizonte was completed in 2021. The plan for Rio de Janeiro will be completed in 2022.

Impact

Identifying and structuring in Brazil’s transit-oriented development to create better mobility.

Sustainable Transit-oriented development in Brazil