Prioritization Is Key to Transit-Oriented Development Success

Patrick McDonough Outlines a Strategic Approach for Maximizing the Impact of Transit Investments in Mass Transit Magazine 

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is often positioned as a natural result of major transit investments, but outcomes such as broader economic growth and spurred business development require deliberate strategies and a clear understanding of the communities they will affect. As agencies invest in bus rapid transit (BRT) and other high-capacity systems, understanding where and how to prioritize TOD efforts can make the difference between barely noticed incremental change and true corridor-wide transformation.

Patrick McDonough explores this challenge in a recent article published in Mass Transit magazine, where he outlines a practical framework for prioritizing TOD across complex, multi-station corridors.

McDonough serves as HDR’s transit-oriented development lead and has more than 20 years of experience leading transit corridor planning efforts. His work helps agencies align transit investments with broader community goals — including economic development and improved housing and livability.

In the article, McDonough emphasizes that successful TOD requires more than proximity to transit; it demands a nuanced understanding of market readiness and local conditions. As he writes, “Reaping the benefits of TOD starts with knowing where to focus efforts,” highlighting the importance of combining stakeholder goals with data-driven prioritization tools.

One key insight from the piece is the role of institutional partners as a potential “x-factor” in accelerating development. When organizations such as municipal governments or community colleges own land near proposed stations and are willing to engage, they can help catalyze projects and attract broader investment.

Read the full article, “Transit-Oriented Development Starts With Clear Priorities,” in the May/June 2026 issue of Mass Transit.