Transit Hubs Are the Future of SoCal Urbanization

Transit-oriented developments are the future of urbanization in Southern California. While the transit system is still expanding, there are already several transit-oriented projects throughout the region and local incentives are fueling more transit projects. These projects will become the urban centers of Southern California, and will also help to fuel vibrant economic activity.

“Future development of transit corridors and associated terminals and stations will become centers of urban activity and economic catalysts,” Jose Sanchez, retail and mixed-use design leader at DLR Group and an expert in urbanization patterns, tells GlobeSt.com. “These nodes are central to an urbanized lifestyle less dependent on vehicles and instigators of pedestrian and transit friendly TODs. These compact, walkable, mixed-use developments increase density and in kind reduce the dependence on vehicles. With the advent of autonomous vehicles and first-and-last-mile solutions, the transit hubs will become centralized city centers for commercial, residential, institutional and entertainment.”

Transit-oriented developments are largely mixed-use hubs that include housing and retail amenities at a minimum, and often also include office as well. As a result, they are thriving spaces that generate economic activity day and night. “Mixed-use developments that impersonate downtown-style living thrive where there is a catalytic agent that provides its energy,” says Sanchez. “This includes adjacencies to a historic core, universities, corporations, and especially transit corridors. Although car culture has ruled in the United States, more suburbs are defined by public transport links. According to the American Public Transportation Association, nearly 85% of transportation ballot initiatives passed during the 2018 midterm elections.”