Suburbanization and planning unit development have encouraged dependence on private automobiles in North America since the 1930s. Neighborhood designs with large-scale blocks, sparse arterial networks, and cul-de-sacs reduce the inclination to walk and the development of transit services. Such automobile-based development tends to cause urban sprawl, increase commuting distance, and reduce land use efficiency. Since transit systems promote the efficient use of resources such as land, fuel, etc., cities are increasingly applying transit-based strategies to enhance urban sustainability. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is now a popular strategy in North America for shaping transit-based spatial structures.
Taiwan has experienced rapid population and economic growth since the end of World War II but has extremely limited land resources. Automobile-based development in recent decades has caused substantial transportation inefficiencies and environmental degradation.