The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) actively collaborates with state, local, and private partners to promote Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). This strategy aims to create dense, mixed-use neighborhoods within half a mile of transit stations, providing convenient access to jobs, housing, and services.
Under the state’s Moore–Miller 2024 plan, TOD is recognized as a key tool in addressing the affordable housing shortage and stimulating inclusive economic growth. Applying TOD principles helps increase ridership, make efficient use of transportation infrastructure, and attract investment in urban development.
MDOT Joint Development and Partnership Programs
MDOT implements the Joint Development Program, which aims to make effective use of state-owned property near transportation stations. These projects include the construction or renovation of facilities that combine commercial, residential, and public functions with transportation infrastructure.
In collaboration with other state agencies, an interactive portal called State TOD Hub has been created—a resource where local governments, planners, investors, and community organizations can obtain tools and information to promote TOD projects in their communities.
Planning and Resources
The MDOT Office of Planning and Capital Programming, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP), has developed two key tools:
- The Maryland Transit Station Area Profile Tool is an interactive map containing socioeconomic, demographic, and infrastructure data for all existing and planned rail stations in the state.
- Maryland TOD Models and Guidelines — methodological recommendations for implementing TOD principles at the city and county level.
- MDOT also provides consulting support on bicycle and pedestrian accessibility to transportation hubs, helping to adapt projects to the specific conditions of station areas.
Funding and technical support
To stimulate TOD projects in Maryland, the Transit-Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund (TOD Fund) is a grant and loan program that supports equitable and inclusive development of areas adjacent to state stations.
In addition
The USDOT Build America Bureau provides financial instruments and loan programs for states and private developers.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) program, which provides tax credits for affordable housing construction and renovation projects, including those in TOD areas.
Design and Access Guidelines
TOD projects are tailored to the specific characteristics of each station.
MDOT offers a number of guides to assist developers and municipalities:
- MDOT MTA’s Designing for Transit: TOD Design Guidelines — recommendations for designing and organizing transportation access.
- MDOT SHA’s Context Driven Access and Mobility for All Users Guide — guidance on improving the street and road network near stations.
- WMATA Planning and Design Studies — studies and projects for metro stations within Maryland.
Land sharing and development
Joint development involves the implementation of commercial, residential, and public projects that are closely integrated with transportation infrastructure. Such projects may include:
- construction of multifunctional complexes near stations;
- creation of intermodal transportation hubs;
- renovation of historic transportation facilities.
MDOT, in conjunction with the Office of Real Estate and TOD (ORED), manages development opportunities on state-owned land adjacent to MARC rail and WMATA metro stations.
ORED recently unveiled the Penn Line TOD Strategy Plan, a strategy aimed at developing dense, mixed-use development along the MARC Penn Line. The plan is estimated to create thousands of new jobs and generate more than $800 million in tax revenue over 30 years, contributing to economic growth and community development.
