Master's Thesis Defense - Jacob Daum - Geography & Geoinformation Science

MS Candidate: Jacob Daum

Degree Candidate: Master of Science in Geographic and Cartographic Science

Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science 

Title: Transit-Oriented Development Demographic Analysis and Change in Tysons, Virginia

Committee Chair:   Dr. Matthew Rice (GGS)

Committee Members: Dr. Nathan Burtch (GGS), Dr. Alireza Ermagun (GGS)

Abstract:
The development and construction of the Washington Metro Silver Line lasted almost two decades, serving to more directly link Northern Virginia’s explosive commercial, transportation, and societal growth with the nation’s capital. Upon the opening of Phase 1 in 2014, however, average ridership numbers for all stations performed far below projections. One factor of this discrepancy may be the lack of proper TOD implementation surrounding Silver Line development into the built environment. This thesis examines the possible effects of such a discrepancy by analyzing demographic and employment-based data from the surrounding areas, with a temporal scope primarily looking at five years after Phase 1’s opening. Results showed that advancements in TOD integration generally caused the populace to become larger, more affluent, and older in age. Residents also became more willing to utilize transit and pedestrian-friendly modes of commute, especially for the Metro itself.