For decades, transit-oriented development has been associated with density, land use mix, and proximity to rapid transit. Today, however, the discipline has evolved well beyond simply building near stations. The most successful transit-oriented communities are now defined by the quality of the public realm, the strength of mobility networks, and the overall experience of moving through the city.

For over 40 years, rapid transit investment across Metro Vancouver has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to shape urban growth and unlock significant transit-oriented development. Communities such as Brentwood, Metrotown, Lougheed, Coquitlam Centre, Richmond City Centre, and Surrey City Centre have evolved into major mixed-use urban nodes anchored by SkyTrain infrastructure and supported by coordinated municipal planning. Looking ahead, projects such as the Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension, the Broadway Subway, Bus Rapid Transit corridors in Surrey, Burnaby, and the North Shore, along with other rapid transit initiatives across the province, reflect a growing recognition that high-quality transit infrastructure is fundamental to sustainable urban growth.

Here are some things we learned from our involvement in designing stations across the Lower Mainland: 

Architecture compliments urban integration

Successful transit design emerges when architecture responds skillfully to transit functionality, neighbourhood identity, accessibility, and urban integration. The best stations create a sense of safety, civic pride, and legibility that strengthens public confidence in transit systems.

The strongest examples in the region combine transit investment with integrated land use planning, walkable public realm networks, housing density, employment opportunities, civic amenities, and high-quality open spaces. Stations that are safe, accessible, intuitive, and seamlessly connected to surrounding neighbourhoods create the conditions for long-term economic resilience and private investment. In many ways, the public realm surrounding the station is even more important than the station structure itself. Accessibility, intuitive circulation, universal design, weather comfort, wayfinding, and service reliability determine whether people choose transit repeatedly. A transit network that is safe, accessible, and seamlessly connected to where people live, work, and gather is essential to addressing the critical "last mile" challenge and making transit a practical, reliable choice for everyday life.

Transit shapes the city experience

Beyond commuting convenience, stations play a critical role in shaping how people experience the city. Ridership grows when stations are intuitive, comfortable, visible, and pleasant to use. People naturally gravitate toward transit environments that prioritize their daily needs and avoid those that feel unsafe, confusing, or disconnected from surrounding communities.

Developers respond in much the same way. Investment follows places where people want to be. When stations become destination gateways rather than purely utilitarian infrastructure, they help accelerate nearby residential, retail, and mixed-use development. In many successful urban centres, the transit station effectively becomes the front door to the neighbourhood, directly influencing real estate value and long-term growth.

Purposeful and longevity

The success of a transit node is determined by the quality and reliability of the experience it provides. Rapid bus systems, when designed with purpose and long-term commitment, can generate similar placemaking and development impacts as rail stations. Features such as weather protection, real-time information, dedicated transit lanes, supported by strong branding, all contribute to creating confidence in the system.

Landscape design is critical

Landscape architecture and public space design also play an essential role in humanizing transit infrastructure. Successful station environments create opportunities for spontaneous interaction, gathering, and everyday urban life. When public spaces become overly prescribed or over-programmed, they often lose the flexibility that makes cities feel vibrant and authentic. A livable and functional transit-oriented communities provide welcoming spaces where people can pause, meet, linger, and develop a genuine sense of ownership over their neighbourhood.

The future of transit-oriented development lies in creating complete, walkable, and livable communities centered around high-quality mobility networks. They function as civic anchors, neighbourhood gateways, and catalysts for economic growth.