This dissertation consists of two consecutive parts. The first part examines the impact of light rail transit (LRT) investment on the type of jobs (i.e., industrial and wage composition) in neighborhoods adjacent to rail transit stations using Charlotte, NC as a case study. Applying a quasi‐experimental approach, this research aims to address to what extent LRT affects the industrial and wage composition of jobs and workers in neighborhoods adjacent to the LRT stations. I use data from the LEHD Origin–Destination Employment Statistics (LODES) between 2002 and 2014. The results show no significant increase on employment in adjacent neighborhoods after the introduction of the LRT. However, the industrial makeup of the area has been changed. Additionally, the LRT appears to connect higher-wage neighborhoods to areas with significant shares of higher-wage jobs. However, low- and medium-wage workers have not seen much change. The second part examines the impact of LRT on commuting patterns in adjacent neighborhoods. The results show a reduction in commuting distance experienced by higher-wage workers, while it is increased for lower-wage workers after the opening of the city’s first LRT line. These results are expected as the LRT connects higher-wage neighborhoods to the areas with significant shares of higher-wage jobs. Therefore, low- and medium-wage workers in the LRT adjacent neighborhoods have not seen a significant improvement in the spatial separation between their work place and place of residence after the opening of the LRT, which may conflict with goals of increasing accessibility for the most transit dependent population.