Path to World-Class US Transit (left) • Perth Amboy waterfront TOD • Plan for housing affordability • CT’s transit resurgence • Value Capture in Andhra Pradesh (India) (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
World Class American Transportation
Staff, Transportation for America | January 14, 2026
Transportation for America released a report outlining what it would take to build a world-class U.S. transit system. The analysis calls for tripling the national transit vehicle fleet and building 7,500 miles of new infrastructure, requiring $2.4 trillion in additional spending from 2026 to 2045 and delivering economic growth, lower household transportation costs, and emissions reductions.
NJ TOD News
Amtrak, NJ Transit Facing Major Service Cuts for Portal Bridge Work
Larry Higgs, NJ.com | January 15, 2026
NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak will reduce service by up to 53 percent starting February 15 as one track of the new $2.3 billion Portal North Bridge is connected to the Northeast Corridor Line, with full service expected to resume March 15. The work, part of the larger Gateway Project, will affect hundreds of trains across multiple lines, but will eliminate delays caused by the 115-year-old swing bridge and improve long-term reliability.
NEWARK—Newark Says Thanks and Farewell to Gov. Murphy at Apartment Tower Groundbreaking
Steve Strunsky, NJ.com | January 15, 2026
Gov. Phil Murphy attended the groundbreaking for 22 Fulton, a $198 million development set to add 396 residential units to downtown Newark. In one of his final public appearances before stepping down as New Jersey’s 56th governor, he expressed pride in his administration’s role in advancing the project through a series of tax credits.
Key Highlights from Murphy’s Final State of the State Speech
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight News | January 14, 2026
Gov. Phil Murphy delivered his final State of the State address on January 13, underscoring accomplishments from his eight-year tenure and offering guidance to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. Murphy highlighted recent improvements to NJ TRANSIT, noting that strategies set in motion during his administration will continue to benefit commuters under future governorships.
PERTH AMBOY—Kushner Project Poised to Revive Perth Amboy Waterfront Secures Planning Board Approval
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | January 14, 2026
The Perth Amboy Planning Board approved Sea Gate, a $200 million project adding 602 apartments on a former brownfield site along the waterfront, within walking distance of Perth Amboy Station. Kushner will pay $1.2 million annually through a long-term PILOT and fund streetscape and lighting improvements. Completion is expected in 2029.
NEWARK—Downtown Newark to Get 225 Apartments from Another Gomes Group Project
Nicole Zanchelli, TAPinto Newark | January 13, 2026
The Newark Planning Board approved Elleven by Gomes, a 225-unit development in downtown Newark. The Gomes Group project includes 45 affordable units and ground-floor retail and advances Newark’s downtown redevelopment plan. The developer plans to apply for a PILOT to help fund the project.
Transit and Equity News
A ‘Demographic Time Bomb’ Is About to Go Off — And the Transportation Sector Isn’t Ready
Kea Wilson, Streetsblog USA | January 15, 2026
Transportation experts warn that the U.S. lacks the systems needed to support a rapidly aging population as baby boomers lose the ability to drive. They argue the country must expand transit service, support intergenerational living in dense neighborhoods, and reform zoning to place daily needs within walking distance.
ARIZONA—Gallego Unveils Ambitious Housing Affordability Plan With Support from Arizona Cities
Jerod Macdonald-Evoy, AZ Mirror | January 14, 2026
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced a housing affordability framework aimed at boosting production. The plan expands the low-income housing tax credit, streamlines environmental review, links housing-friendly plans to federal transit funding, and increases support for first-time homebuyers.
NEW YORK—Hochul Promises More Affordable New York, Boosting Mamdani’s Pledge
Samantha Maldonado, The City | January 13, 2026
Gov. Kathy Hochul rolled out a broad affordability agenda that includes faster approvals for housing and major infrastructure, including the Second Avenue Subway. The proposal streamlines environmental review in select neighborhoods, funds a $50 million renovation of LIRR’s Jamaica Station, and simplifies permitting for the proposed Interborough Express light rail between Queens and Brooklyn.
Regional and National TOD News
Americans Hit the Brakes on Driving—and It Could Shift the Housing Market in Reverse
Allaire Conte, Realtor.com | January 16, 2026
Generational shifts in driving highlight a growing mismatch between where housing is built and where people need to live, as most new homes remain in car-dependent areas. Transit-oriented development (TOD), supported by zoning reforms and strategic planning, can ease mobility and affordability pressures for both younger and older residents.
TEXAS—DART Warns of Immediate Service Cuts If Five Cities Vote to Leave Transit System
Alanna Quillen, NBCDFW | January 14, 2026
DART officials warn that voters in five cities could trigger immediate service cuts if they approve a May 2 ballot measure to leave the system. The agency says the move could shut down up to 800 bus stops, 10 light rail stations, and two Trinity Railway Express stations as Plano, Irving, Farmers Branch, Highland Park, and University Park move to form their own transit agencies.
NEW YORK—Gov. Kathy Hochul’s ‘Let Them Build’ Plan Pushes for Faster Construction with Environmental Rule Changes
Snejana Farberov, Realtor.com | January 13, 2026
Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed eliminating environmental impact assessments for new high-density housing as part of her “Let Them Build” agenda. The change would reduce costs, speed construction, and expand transit-oriented development.
CONNECTICUT—Connecticut Once Ran on Trolleys. Now It’s Trying to Undo a Century of Car-First Planning
Jordan Nathaniel Fenster, CT Insider | January 11, 2026
Connecticut once operated an extensive streetcar network linking communities across the state before shifting to auto-oriented development. State leaders now aim to reverse that legacy through station-area revitalization, investment in transit-oriented housing, upgrades at stations in Naugatuck and Stamford, and exploration of bus rapid transit to strengthen regional connections.
International TOD News
UNITED KINGDOM—New Liverpool-Manchester Stations Announced, NPR Backed
Staff, Modern Railways | January 14, 2026
After decades of underinvestment in northern England’s rail network, a three-phase, £45 billion ($60 B USD) plan will improve connections to the South. The first phase, in the 2030s, will enhance service to Sheffield, Leeds, York, and Bradford, followed by new lines linking Liverpool to Manchester and connecting the Midlands to northern cities.
INDIA—AP to Roll Out Land, Slum Reforms Inspired by Mumbai Model
MD Ilyas, Deccan Chronicle | January 13, 2026
The Andhra Pradesh government will implement major land-use reforms, including a Land Value Capture and Land Monetization Policy inspired by Mumbai. Officials aim to finance infrastructure upgrades by capturing land value gains and plan to support development through transit-oriented strategies.
CANADA—Sprawling Abandoned Airport to Be Transformed Into $30BN City—Here’s How
Soo Kim, Newsweek | January 11, 2026
Northcrest Developments will transform the 370-acre abandoned Downsview Airport in Toronto into a $30 billion CAD ($22 B USD) mixed-use city, creating over 30,000 housing units and 20,000 jobs near three subway stations and a commuter rail stop. The YZD project will include 70 acres of green space and prioritize energy-efficient buildings and green infrastructure.