The future of commuter parking demand remains uncertain as ridership patterns have changed since the COVID pandemic. This presents Metra with an opportunity to right-size underutilized parking lots and support transit-oriented development and sustainable communities.
TOD is a type of community development that combines moderate and higher density housing and commercial development into a walkable area located near transit stations. This allows for residents to have access to transportation and other amenities while reducing household driving.
Metra’s Approach
Metra’s involvement in the redevelopment of parking lots for TOD will vary depending on the location and project type. A large component of Metra’s level of involvement will depend on the ownership of the parking lot where TOD is proposed. For a commuter parking lot to become TOD the station area must maintain enough sufficient parking for riders who drive and park at the station. While Metra is supportive of TOD throughout the region, not every station area will have parking lots that are good candidates for redevelopment,
More information can be found in Metra’s Approach to Transit Oriented Development and Commuter Parking brochure. For questions or inquiries can be directed to TOD@metrarr.com.
TOD Examples
143rd Orland Park
The Village of Orland Park used an RTA transit-oriented development grant from the RTA to create a TOD study. This allowed the Village to transform the area adjacent to the station from an industrial district to a mixed-use area. The area now has over 250 housing units and a mixed-use medical center.
Winfield
Winfield is a recent example of a property exchange between Metra and a municipality to pursue TOD. The property exchange will allow for the Village of Winfield to pursue TOD, creating approximately 140 units near the station.
Glenview
The Village of Glenview and Metra completed a property swap between Metra property at the downtown Glenview station and Village property at the Glen of North Glenview station. This property exchange allowed for TOD in downtown Glenview.
More Information on TOD
Metra’s Approach to TOD and Commuter Parking
My Metra, Our Future, Metra’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan
Transit is the Answer, the Regional Transportation Authority’s 2023 regional transit strategic plan
RTA’s Transit Friendly Communities Guide
RTA’s Community Planning Program for TOD study grant opportunities
CMAP’s Technical Assistance Program
