The Purple Line’s expansion into Maryland suburbs in 2027 has spurred TOD along the line.
An upcoming light rail line in the Washington, D.C. suburbs is spurring the construction of thousands of new housing units and commercial space along the corridor.
As Robert Steuteville explains in Public Square, “The Purple Line will be complete by 2027, and the line parallels the Capital Crescent Trail—an easy bike ride to the Bethesda Metro Station, about a mile away. The Purple Line will connect compact, mixed-use suburbs like Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, and New Carrollton.”
Steuteville highlights one transit-oriented development, Chevy Chase Lake, which will include over 500 housing units, retail and office space, and a neighborhood square. “Access to the light rail station is through a covered public stair in the green metal-paneled facade of The Claude, an 11-story apartment building.”
FULL STORY: TOD creates public space in suburban DC
Coalition Fights Displacement Along Purple Line
Community advocates are warning that Maryland’s new light rail line could cause displacement without concerted efforts to preserve affordable housing and legacy businesses.
DC Metro Is Betting on Buses
The agency plans to significantly expand bus service, which can be added faster and at a lower cost than rail projects.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
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In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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