Does a park and ride reward spraw?

Question

As a opposed to the traditional in town station.

Answer 1

Sprawl is going to happen. Many people do not want to live packed together, but prefer some space and privacy. They are looking for safety, good schools and comfort.

The availability of a park and ride, or close public transportation is not a major factor in the choice where to live for many people. As a matter of fact, closeness to public transportation can actually make a area less desirable to some.

Public transportation not only lets people travel into sites for work, it allows access to the area by an undesirable element that was formerly less able to get to the area. When the light rail system was opened in Baltimore Md, stores that were located near the outlying stations reported a huge increase in losses to shoplifters. Most of those caught were not from the area, but had used the public transportation to go to areas that they considered easier to victimize.

A park and ride lot is a compromise. If the only options are living close to a station, or driving to work. most people are going to drive the entire distance.

While there are some people who are willing to live in town, most families with children, and many people without,  want room and privacy!