Is Transit-Oriented Development Good for Cities?

How can cities use transit corridors and infrastructure spaces not just to move people, but to bring them together? In this episode of Good for Cities, Matti Siemiatycki speaks with Ilana Altman from The Bentway about adaptive reuse, transit-oriented development, and the role of cultural programming in shaping public space. They explore how cities like Toronto and New York are transforming underused infrastructure into civic destinations, and how The Bentwayhas become a platform for experimentation, connection, and public life. Ilana discusses how programming, from large-scale installations like Project Domino to thematic climate-focused events, helps turn infrastructure into a space for shared meaning-making. The conversation also examines the balance between physical design and cultural activation, the importance of accessibility and everyday use, and the role of “fun” in city building. Finally, they consider the challenges of scaling these models, including governance, funding, and the need for new policy frameworks to support hybrid, multi-solving infrastructure.