Transit Oriented Communities Technical Assistance Program

Supporting local jurisdictions in planning vibrant, transit oriented communities across Los Angeles County.

Project Type

Program

Current Phase

Program

Transit oriented communities (TOCs) are neighborhoods designed to make it easier to take transit, walk, bike or roll. Through the Transit Oriented Communities Technical Assistance Program, Metro partners with local jurisdictions across Los Angeles County to support planning efforts that create connected, accessible, and vibrant communities near transit.

The Transit Oriented Communities Grant Writing Assistance Program is one of the ways Metro is partnering with local jurisdictions in supporting the growth of transit oriented communities.

Transit Oriented Communities Funding Programs

Transit Oriented Communities Technical Assistance Program Process

1. Identify a Transit Oriented Community Project

A planning project or study proposal is eligible for Metro’s Transit Oriented Communities, if it meets the following criteria:

Project area is located near a Major Transit Stop

Eligible Project Areas

Use the Eligible Project Areas map to find local project areas that qualify for this program. Qualifying projects must be located near a Major Transit Stop*.

*Major Transit Stop Definition

Major Transit Stop, per California Public Resource Code 21064.3, which may be amended from time-to-time, is defined as: 
(a) An existing rail or bus rapid transit station (PRC 21060.2) 
(b) A ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service. 
(c) The intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service interval of 20 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods.

Per the intent of the TOC Policy, Major Transit Stop shall also include an environmentally-cleared fixed guideway transit station. A planned fixed-guideway station may also be considered if its location is the only alternative under consideration for a transit corridor in the planning stages.

View Program Map with Eligible Project Areas

Project incorporates a Transit Oriented Community Activity

Eligible Transit Oriented Community Activities

Eligible studies for this program must be tied to at least one of the following core TOC Activities and located within an eligible radius of transit:

View TOC Activities and Radius Requirements

2. Review project development resources for this program

Explore resources created to support potential applicants in developing an application and project scope.

Use a template scope as a framework to build out a project proposal.

Template Scopes

Read about the program background and administrative guidelines.

TOC TAP Program Guidelines

Meet with Metro program staff to answer any questions on the application process.

Coffee with a "Planner"

3. Apply to TOC Technical Assistance Program

Applications to the TOC Technical Assistance Program will be accepted and evaluated for award on a rolling basis. Program funding is subject to annual budget programming. Applicants can apply for up to $200,000.

Prep

Download and use the TOC Technical Assistance Program Application Worksheet to review questions, write answers and complete required application attachments.

Application Worksheet

Apply

Copy and paste the final application answers and upload the completed attachments to the TOC Technical Assistance Program Online Application. It is recommended to write the application responses in the Application Worksheet before transitioning to the online application.

* Please note that answers may not save in draft mode.

Apply for TOC Technical Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an applicant receive funding for a project that is already underway?

Yes, however the applicant must demonstrate that Metro will fund tasks that have not been initiated. Metro will not reimburse the recipient to revise existing work products or supplement funding for an overbudget project.

When are applications due for TOC TAP?

Applications to TOC TAP are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis.

What is a passing score for a TOC TAP application?

A passing score is 70 points or above. Because funding is limited, a passing score does not guarantee funding. Awards will be delegated to applicants with the highest scores and limited to available funding.

How many times can my jurisdiction apply to TOC TAP?

One application per jurisdiction may be awarded every 12 months.

For more FAQs click here.

Equity is Our Priority

Metro calls on Program Recipients to incorporate equity as a process and an outcome in funding requests. Additionally, Metro will prioritize resources in Equity Focus Communities and other high-need communities, based on socio-economic factors, as deemed relevant.