Grading California's Rail Transit Station Areas: A Ranking of How Well They Accommodate PopulationGrowth, Boost Economic Activity and Improve the Environment

This report studies and grades the neighborhoods within a one-half mile radius of 489 existing rail transit stations in six California rail systems. The overall grades are based on how well these stations areas encourage residents and employees to ride transit, connect to amenities, and create vibrant, equitable, and thriving locales. While California has missed many opportunities for development near stations, grading areas helps highlight strong performers that other areas can emulate. High-performing stations generally are found in the middle of transit systems in downtown-like areas. Overall, rail transit in the San Francisco Bay Area performed well, Los Angeles and Sacramento systems were average, and the Santa Clara Valley and San Diego systems show need for improvement.