People Oriented Development: Rethinking the Links Between the Sustainable Development Goals and Transit Oriented Development, Through a Case Study of Quito, Ecuador

One of the pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the idea that the eradication of poverty and inequality is possible through economic growth. The baseline of economic growth relates strongly to the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) framework, which contains a consolidated financial model for urban development. In this paper, we examine the synergies and conflicts between SDGs and TOD. By doing so, we highlight how, although the SDGs ultimately strive to eradicate poverty, TOD fails miserably on this front. The findings are the result of the analysis of TOD in Quito, Ecuador, which has had a notable influence on TOD in its urban legislation, since hosting the Habitat III conference in 2016. The case study reflected the synergies and conflicts between the SDGs and TOD. In addition, we argue that certain aspects of the Quito study challenge the very concept of development through economic growth (promoted by the SDGs), or having fast urban economic centres (pushed by TOD). We argue that instead of trying to force local needs to be in accordance with the SDGs or TOD, a new approach should be adopted that is centred around people’s needs. We call for a shift in discourse: from a strong focus on infrastructural development, fast access and economic growth, to discussing forms of urban living. This paper defines such a shift in discourse, research and urban planning as People Oriented Development.