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Release Date: Dec. 15, 2022
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

METRO Aims to Connect Communities with Transit Oriented Development

METRO's Board of Directors has unanimously approved an updated policy that guides how it advances Joint Development and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) initiatives.

TOD is high-density development within walking distance of a transit station with diverse uses such as housing, employment, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It creates walkable, mixed-use spaces near high-quality public transportation — attracting people and creating vibrant, connected, and sustainable neighborhoods. TOD can also help foster partnerships that support affordable housing development, leading to more equitable communities. 

METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran said flexibility was a key consideration for the policy amendment and that public input will play a critical role as projects develop.

"There will be significant community engagement as we move forward with this," Ramabhadran said. 

In November, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded METRO $376,000 in grant funding for TOD planning at the Authority's Tidwell Transit Center located in the Eastex-Jensen Super Neighborhood, which the proposed METRORapid University Corridor will serve.

METRO Board Member Diann Lewter, who chairs METRO's Joint Development and Land Use Committee, said she sees the Authority's role as one part of a three-legged stool.

"We have transit where we're the experts. Then there are development interests, and equally important is the community. All three have to be balanced, and that's the approach we're taking."

To learn more about METRO's Joint Development and TOD policy, visit www.RideMETRO.org.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation services. METRO’s transit network includes local bus, METRORail, which includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), the Green Line (East End) and the Purple Line (Southeast), Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit service, HOV/HOT Express Lanes, curb2curb microtransit service and METRO Star Vanpool. In 2020, the Authority introduced the METRORapid Silver Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit service. Bike & Ride programs and road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the Houston region. Focused on investing in the region’s future mobility needs, the Authority developed the METRONext Moving Forward Plan. METRO is also the first transit provider in the region to pilot autonomous vehicle shuttle technology. Learn more about METRO services at RideMETRO.org, where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.