Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

The Squandered Potential of Train Station Parking Lots

Yesterday we noted how MTR Corp. in Hong Kong rakes in cash from commercial properties along its rail lines. Meanwhile, the land right next to many American rail stations -- especially commuter rail -- is consumed by oceans of parking.

false

And once commuter parking lots fill up, as they inevitably do, transit-oriented development is often eschewed in favor of more parking. There's a lot of squandered potential in the New York City metro area, says Joseph Cutrufo, on the Tri-State Transportation Campaign blog Mobilizing the Region. Vast rail station parking lots are "dead zones," Cutrufo says, where housing, retail, and offices could be sited instead.

Providing ample amounts of parking around transit stations only makes sense if nobody wants to live near transit. But that’s just not the case. True, parking can help transit agencies attract riders, but not without substantial opportunity costs. In other words, dedicating vast amounts of land for parking near transit stations instead of housing and commercial space is literally paving over tremendous economic development potential.

Some counties served by the New York MTA's Metro-North Railroad are warming to transit-oriented development, Cutrufo says, but localities must also make it safe for people who don't live next to stations to access the train on foot and by bike. "Providing access to transit shouldn't stop at parking and TOD."

Elsewhere on the Network today: Second Avenue Sagas reviews killer NYC transit apps. Streets.mn and Transit Columbus discuss the high cost of separating housing from jobs. And the City Fix asks locals to describe their ideal São Paulo.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Sec. Duffy Moves to Rescind Billions for ‘Woke’ Transportation on Feb. 18 — So Advocates Must Speak Up Now

The U.S. Transportation Secretary has promised to call on Congress to slash vast funding for climate and DEIA.

February 14, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Let There Be Light

Pedestrian deaths are most common at night and on multilane roads, according to AAA, and the most at risk are people who may not be able to afford cars.

February 14, 2025

Friday Video: How America Got Hooked on Cars

CNBC put together a solid 15-minute explainer on car dependency that's perfect for sending to anyone who's never thought about the role of automobility in their life.

February 14, 2025

Catch the Green Wave In NYC

Even the Times loves it.

February 14, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: The Cognitive Experience of a Transit User

Ren Yee of UN Studio on the cognitive workload of pedestrians and creating safe opportunities for mind wandering and absorbing information.

February 13, 2025
See all posts