Bill to unlock TOD (right) • Newark AirTrain upgrade • Housing + transit bills in CO • Seattle’s light rail growth • Global transit projects (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
Lawler Introduces Bicameral, Bipartisan Bill to Spur Housing Construction Near Transportation Hubs
Press Release, Office of Congressman Mike Lawler | January 20, 2026
Congress and Senate members introduced the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (HUBS) Act to streamline transit-oriented development near transportation hubs. The bill facilitates DOT-HUD collaboration, speeds reviews and funding, eases some NEPA requirements, and expands loan programs.
NJ TOD News
JERSEY CITY—A Longtime Vision for Jersey City’s Bergen Arches Faces New Questions After NJ TRANSIT Plan
Darren Tobia, Jersey Digs | January 22, 2026
NJ TRANSIT’s $22 million proposal for a transitway along the abandoned Bergen Arches puts long-standing greenway plans in question. The Bergen Arches Preservation Coalition seeks a design that preserves green space and adds bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and light rail.
Wealthy NJ Towns Dealt Another Rejection in Legal Quest to Block Affordable Housing
Mike Hayes, Gothamist | January 21, 2026
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by 27 NJ municipalities aiming to evade the state’s 2024 affordable housing rules. Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali criticized the mandate’s cost to taxpayers and plans to appeal to the Third Circuit. Municipalities have until March 16 to submit updated housing plans.
Bus Transit Villages: Driving Development Beyond the Rails
Staff, NJTOD | January 20, 2026
NJTOD highlights bus-based Transit Villages in Pleasantville, Irvington, Hackensack, and Newark, where development focuses on busy bus corridors. Expanding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) could strengthen these growth patterns.
NEWARK—Port Authority Advances $3.5 Billion AirTrain Newark Replacement Project with Start of Guideway Construction This Month
Press Release, Port Authority NY NJ | January 13, 2026
The Port Authority has begun guideway construction for the $3.5 billion Newark AirTrain replacement to address rising ridership. Upgrades will run between the Airport Train Station and P4 Station, with the new system expected to open in 2030.
Transit and Equity News
COLORADO—Colorado Governor, Democrats Announce Package of Bills to Increase Housing Supply, Bolster Transit Centers
Robert Tann, The Aspen Times | January 22, 2026
CO Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic lawmakers introduced three bills to boost housing and transit. Measures allow public institutions like colleges and transit agencies to bypass local zoning codes for affordable housing, dedicate sales tax revenues for transit projects, and expand property tax exemptions for affordable housing on vacant land.
TEXAS—New Affordable Housing Project Near Downtown Aims to Provide Stability, Transit Access
Mason Hickock, KSAT | January 21, 2026
Four25 San Pedro Apartments opened in San Antonio, offering 80 affordable homes to households earning under 60 percent of the area median income, including 25 for households exiting homelessness. The development sits along San Antonio’s upcoming advanced rapid transit Green Line.
When Households Change, Housing Has to Follow
Mike Hathorne, LinkedIn | January 12, 2026
Hathorne reflects on how shifting household types—more single adults and seniors—are reshaping housing demand. He argues that planners and developers must rethink housing supply, focusing on duplexes, townhomes, and mixed-use neighborhoods, not just total population growth.
Regional and National TOD News
OHIO—RTA Advances West 25th Bus Rapid Transit Project, as Some Businesses Remain Opposed
Rich Exner, Cleveland.com | January 22, 2026
Cleveland RTA’s bus rapid transit plan along West 25th Street, including bus-only lanes at the West Side Market, has mayoral support but faces pushback from local businesses. Owners worry losing 55 parking spaces will deter customers, though peak occupancy is only 70 percent of 1,956 spaces.
FLORIDA—Jane Castor Says Tampa Will ‘Finish Strong’ Amid Construction and Transit Plans
Jess Mendoza, Florida Politics | January 21, 2026
Mayor Jane Castor is advancing downtown housing, workforce development, and transit projects in her final year. Potential initiatives include a streetcar extension into Tampa Heights, and a regional airport link supported by a $4 million USDOT grant.
MASSACHUSETTS—MBTA Communities Act Holdouts Are Losing State Funding
Meghan Volcy, Streetsblog | January 16, 2026
Twelve Massachusetts municipalities will lose state funding for failing to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, which encourages housing diversity and density around stations. Missing the 2025 deadline affects grants for schools, senior care, and waste disposal services.
WASHINGTON—Seattle Is Building Light Rail Like It’s 1999
Linda Baker, Bloomberg | January 16, 2026
Seattle’s transit expansion continues with Sound Transit’s new 2 Line adding 14 miles of rail. A $54 billion investment will add 62 miles of light rail, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail, driving a 24 percent ridership increase since 2019.
International TOD News
MACAO—Macau Plans 6 New Underground Light Rapid Transit Lines
Staff, Plataforma | January 23, 2026
Macao unveiled a light rapid transit strategy, adding nearly 12 miles of underground lines. The plan aims to cut travel times, reduce congestion, and preserve green space.
Transit Project Openings in 2026: A Global Review
Yonah Freemark, The Transport Politic | January 20, 2026
After more than 800 miles of new rail opened worldwide in 2025—580 in China—2026 will see China lead again with 680 miles, alongside major projects in India, Egypt, Turkey, and others.
KOREA—Could Seoul Station Become Seoul’s Hudson Yards?
Im Eun-Byel, The Korean Herald | January 19, 2026
Seoul Station, a hub for high-speed rail, subways, and airport connections, is undergoing major redevelopment. Two projects, Iota Seoul and the Northern District Development, will add 800,000 sq. meters of mixed-use office, retail, and residential space.