Does transit lines truly spur residential development? (Blue line, Boggs, BonAir, Denise) (Pittsburgh: real estate, how much)

[speagles84]

Was taking a trip on the T today and I was thinking, does rail/bus lines ACTUALLY spur residential development? That's always a reason we use to get funding for mass transit projects, but I'm second guessing it right now. When the overbrook line was added to the light rail system, 7 new stops were added between Washington/overbrook junction and south hills junction. The adjoining neighborhoods that, by this principal, should be reviving are not (beltzhoover, bon air, allentownish, and carrick). Some are getting worse. Every time I use the T its packed; its a well used line. But everyone who uses it lives in castle Shannon or farther out. Food for thought. Thoughts?

[AaronPGH]

This trend has happened already in a lot of other cities. Pittsburgh is now just catching up and finally has some big TOD projects on the books. Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebo, East Liberty Station, etc.

Also, the Brown Line to Allentown hasn't been operating for a few years. That's a big reason why nothing has happened there. I'd love to see that brought back along with residential projects.

[speagles84]

Originally Posted by AaronPGH

This trend has happened already in a lot of other cities. Pittsburgh is now just catching up and finally has some big TOD projects on the books. Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebo, East Liberty Station, etc.

Also, the Brown Line to Allentown hasn't been operating for a few years. That's a big reason why nothing has happened there. I'd love to see that brought back along with residential projects.

I know this I'm a weekly rider (about Allentown). There are stops on the blue line that directly connect with the ends of beltzhoover bon air and Carrick and are within walking distance of Allentown and mt oliver.

[Evergrey]

The problem with the Blue Line is its topography. It runs through very steep terrain and is often isolated from the neighboring urban fabric. This limits its potential for enhancing real estate along its route and certainly construction of TOD.

[MathmanMathman]

In Atlanta, there's been little development along the transit lines, unless it is orchestrated by MARTA. There is TOD and its along roads. I think TOD along transit rail lines is a myth.

[_Buster]

Originally Posted by speagles84

Every time I use the T its packed; its a well used line. But everyone who uses it lives in castle Shannon or farther out. Food for thought. Thoughts?

Is it too packed to even be useful for development? I'm not sure I'd want to try to fight my way into it every morning if it was already full when it got to my station, so maybe lack of capacity is preventing new developments closer to the city? I wonder why they don't increase service if the demand is there.

[rockthecasbah121]

Looking at Beltzhoover, it wouldn't be that hard to buy entire blocks right off of the first south hills T station. Obviously, parking there is bad and access for pedestrians isn't ideal, but most of the blocks right beside it are bombed out. Seems like a handful of people making a conscience decision to turn that area in to a desirable area for people who work downtown could change it pretty quickly. Wasn't there a company opening a tech incubator somewhere in Beltzhoover or Allentown?

[speagles84]

Originally Posted by MathmanMathman

In Atlanta, there's been little development along the transit lines, unless it is orchestrated by MARTA. There is TOD and its along roads. I think TOD along transit rail lines is a myth.

I'm not saying its a myth but maybe were overplaying how much it actually does. Evergrey-i agree but boggs literally connects to the streets if beltzhoover.

[speagles84]

Originally Posted by _Buster

Is it too packed to even be useful for development? I'm not sure I'd want to try to fight my way into it every morning if it was already full when it got to my station, so maybe lack of capacity is preventing new developments closer to the city? I wonder why they don't increase service if the demand is there.

Not every train is, but between 6-6 they are usually pretty full. All seats taken at least

[_Buster]

Originally Posted by MathmanMathman

In Atlanta, there's been little development along the transit lines, unless it is orchestrated by MARTA. There is TOD and its along roads. I think TOD along transit rail lines is a myth.

Look into Arlington, VA along the Metro line. It's not a myth.