It is generally accepted that transit service is perhaps the most efficient, sustainable and equitable mode of transportation in cities. However, by simply infusing transit doesn't necessarily guarantee modal shift from automobiles to public transportation.

This research evaluates six neighborhoods in Boston Metropolitan Area within five minutes walking distance from transit stations and establishes that there is a strong correlation between transit ridership and urban form. The neighborhoods which have higher diversity of uses, density of development and quality of pedestrian environment have higher transit ridership and vice versa.