The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) has chosen Jacobs as its advisor for the Joint Development and Transit-Oriented Development program in Houston, Texas.
METRO’s initiative focuses on transforming and improving the transit experience for Houston’s 2.3 million residents. The ultimate goal is to increase ridership, enhance connectivity, and create a more comprehensive and efficient transit system for the Houston community.
Transit-Oriented Development Program and Metro's Initiative in Houston
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), also known as Transport-Oriented Development, is an urban planning approach that focuses on creating communities near public transportation hubs.
It encourages mixed land uses, higher population densities, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and reduced reliance on private cars. TOD aims to promote sustainability, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the quality of life for residents by making public transit more accessible and central to daily living.
Transit-Oriented Development program in Houston
Metro is actively exploring opportunities in transit-oriented development in Houston, Texas. In December 2022, the METRO Board of Directors approved an updated policy to guide its advancement of joint development and TOD initiatives.
The local TOD initiatives involve creating high-density developments near transit stations that include housing, employment, retail, dining, and more within walking distance, intending to reduce travel time, congestion, and emissions and promoting economic activity linked to transit.
The agency has already secured a $370,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration to investigate TOD opportunities at the Tidwell Transit Center (further details below), the planned endpoint of the METRORapid University Corridor, a 25-mile bus rapid transit line that would connect various educational institutions and transit points in the Houston area.
Tidwell Transit-Oriented Development Plan
The Tidwell Transit-Oriented Development Plan represents the initial phase in the process of evaluating potential enhancements to the transit centre property and its adjacent vicinity.
This particular transit centre is envisioned to serve as the northern terminus for the proposed METRORapid University Corridor Project, which forms an integral part of the METRONext Moving Forward Plan. The objectives of this project are as follows:
- Provide an Actionable Plan: The project aims to create a practical plan for transforming the Tidwell Transit Center and the surrounding region. The primary goal is to align these developments with the broader community’s objectives.
- Identify Improvements: Through careful planning, the project seeks to pinpoint enhancements that can significantly impact mobility, housing, economic growth, and overall quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors in the Eastex-Jensen neighbourhood.
- Community Engagement: The initiative prioritizes a community-driven approach, ensuring that the planning process for the area surrounding the Tidwell Transit Center actively involves the local community in shaping its future. This approach emphasizes community engagement and participation.
Jacobs' role in Transit-Oriented Development Program in Houston
Jacobs will deliver comprehensive consulting services to address METRO’s mobility and development requirements. The focus of these services includes planning and real estate management. Jacobs confirmed they will work with local partners, such as the Goodman Corporation, Jones Lang LaSalle, Outreach Strategists, Isani, and Winstead, to support and optimize the program development.
Currently, METRO is establishing a Joint Development framework to progress on development opportunities across multiple properties owned by Harris County METRO. The combined expertise and extensive experience of this local team in the Houston area ensures a comprehensive approach to real estate development, stakeholder engagement, and project success.
Jacobs' role in Transit-Oriented Development Program in Houston - Leadership comments
Jacobs Senior Vice President and General Manager Katus Watson emphasized the company’s commitment to creating social value, boosting ridership, and generating revenue benefits for METRO and the city of Houston.
With a strong relationship with METRO, Jacobs is well-positioned to develop a program framework that aligns with these objectives. As a global provider of transportation and transit-oriented development programs, Jacobs has extensive experience unlocking private-sector investment and value capture to enhance public transport outcomes in communities worldwide.
Katus stated that Jacobs is fully committed to driving the success of the program, which will ultimately benefit the over 200,000 individuals who rely on METRO’s services each day.
