HOK's legacy in designing light rail transit (LRT) systems reflects a deep commitment to enhancing urban mobility and addressing the challenges faced by growing cities.
As urban landscapes evolve, LRT has emerged as a crucial solution for efficiently moving people through densely populated areas. Compared to traditional metro and commuter rail systems, LRT offers lower costs and a smaller physical footprint, making it an integral part of modern transportation networks.
HOK’s contributions to LRT in cities like Dallas and Houston exemplify this evolution. These projects not only provide efficient transit options but also support transit-oriented development, fostering vibrant, interconnected communities. By designing systems that seamlessly integrate into urban environments, HOK has significantly influenced how these cities grow and approach transit.
The HOK-designed Houston Red Line light rail system (above) serves more than 400,000 passengers annually.
Two promising projects on the horizon, located on opposite sides of the United States, aim to address similar urban mobility needs. New York City’s MTA Interborough Express (IBX) is poised to transform transit between Brooklyn and Queens, alleviating congestion and easing the strain on overcrowded roads and subways. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Sound Transit continues to expand its light rail system, linking key regions with projects like the Tacoma Dome Link Extension and Everett Link Extension, further enhancing mobility across the region by connecting dense residential and job centers.
Evolution of LRT
The history of LRT dates back to the late 19th century with horse-drawn streetcars, later evolving into electric streetcars that revolutionized urban transit in cities like San Francisco and New York. However, the mid-20th century saw a decline in these systems as the rise of automobiles and suburban sprawl took hold. The 1970s and 1980s marked a renaissance for LRT, particularly in cities like Portland and Calgary, where modernized networks emphasized sustainability and addressed increasing urban congestion. Today’s LRT systems benefit from technological advancements, such as low-floor vehicles and integrated fare systems, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
The HOK-designed Dallas Area Rapid Transit System (above) reinforces the need for this important transportation solution in growing cities.
Sustainable Development
LRT serves as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, attracting both residential and commercial developments around its stations. This transit-oriented development encourages public transit use and stimulates investment in housing, grocery stores, healthcare, retail and office spaces.
Additionally, LRT systems contribute to the revitalization of underdeveloped or declining urban areas. By improving connectivity within a city, LRT enhances the attractiveness of these areas for development and investment, transforming neglected neighborhoods into vibrant, economically active communities. The environmental benefits of LRT—such as reduced traffic congestion and lower pollution levels—also make cities more livable and appealing, attracting residents and businesses alike.
Both the IBX and Sound Transit expansions will connect underserved neighborhoods to vital job centers, spurring economic development and revitalization. HOK-designed LRT networks in Dallas and Houston have already catalyzed significant investments, leading to new businesses and job opportunities. Moreover, these projects are designed to significantly reduce travel times, encouraging more residents to embrace public transit.
Houston’s light rail system has grown to three lines and catalyzed development along its route, including commercial businesses, arts and cultural organizations, new residential towers and the Ion Innovation District.
As urban populations continue to swell, the demand for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions has never been more pressing. LRT emerges as a cornerstone of contemporary urban planning, aligning seamlessly with global priorities aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. By offering a viable alternative to car dependency and outdated diesel bus systems, LRT champions a sustainable future, contributing directly to broader sustainable development goals.
Connecting Communities
LRT stations can serve as community hubs, promoting social interaction and engagement. Thoughtfully designed, they can feature public spaces and community art programs that foster a sense of belonging among residents. More broadly, LRT systems play a crucial role in connecting communities by enhancing accessibility, fostering economic development and promoting social inclusion. Additionally, LRT can address environmental justice by providing equitable transportation options and alleviating environmental burdens on disadvantaged communities.
Houston’s light rail system has grown to three lines, connecting communities through 40 stations on 23 miles of track.
The integration of LRT into urban infrastructure is not merely about transportation; it’s about creating a more interconnected and accessible city. The IBX and Seattle’s system expansions demonstrate this vision. These new LRT lines will connect with existing rail and bus networks, ensuring residents can navigate the city with ease. This focus on connectivity transforms fragmented transit options into a cohesive network, facilitating smoother commutes and greater mobility for all community members.
Riding into the Future
Looking ahead, the role of innovative transit solutions like LRT cannot be overstated. These systems not only mitigate the environmental impact of urban travel but also enhance residents’ quality of life. By prioritizing sustainable transit, cities can move toward a future that is interconnected, resilient, and adaptive to the challenges of urbanization.
HOK’s commitment to LRT embodies a collective vision for urban transportation that prioritizes efficiency, equity, and accessibility. By designing transit solutions that cater to diverse populations, HOK helps ensure all residents benefit from enhanced transportation options. This improves access to housing, jobs, education and essential services, contributing to the overall economic vibrancy of urban areas. At HOK, we are excited to play a pivotal role in shaping that future.
Luke Bridle, AIA, ENV SP, is a principal and director of Transportation at HOK. As an architect focused on transportation infrastructure, Luke has collaborated on the design of more than 60 mass transit and rail station projects around the world. Please contact him at luke.bridle@hok.com with any questions or to inquire about working together.