A proposal to simplify commutes on the Raritan Valley Line (top left); West Virginia DOT to host public meetings (top right); Vancouver’s SkyTrain Station development (bottom left); Affordable housing in Los Angeles (bottom right)
Article of the Week
IDAHO—Boise wants more affordable housing, higher density, more transit. Here’s the plan.
Gaby Galvin, Smart Cities Dive, Mar 21 2023
Boise is updating its zoning code for the first time in 60 years to encourage transit-oriented development, increase housing density, and promote affordability. The revised code will enable developers to build more units near transit corridors if they provide affordable housing and utilize sustainable materials. Public hearings on the proposal are scheduled for April 24-27th with the Planning and Zoning Commission.
NJ TOD News
Kean Introduces ‘One-Seat-Ride Act’ to NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line
Staff Writer, New Jersey Hills Media Group, Mar 27 2023
Congressman Tom Kean Jr. (R-7) introduced the “One-Seat-Ride Act” (H.R. 1547) to evaluate the benefits of a direct trip versus a transfer trip during peak hours on NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line. Kean believes a more efficient one-seat-ride service could promote transit-oriented development by attracting businesses and residential projects near transit hubs, fostering economic growth and sustainable communities. The study will emphasize the importance of seamless commutes in shaping future transit infrastructure and development.
NEWARK—WTC PATH Debuts 9-Car Trains
Matthew Fazelpoor, NJBIZ, Mar 23 2023
PATH is operating nine-car trains on the Newark-World Trade Center line, promoting transit-oriented development by increasing capacity and connectivity. This expansion aims to better connect communities to economic opportunities and improve overall customer experience. The increased capacity supports growth in areas near transit hubs, fostering sustainable urban development.
BOUND BROOK—Safety Improvements Planned for Downtown Bound Brook
Alexis Tarrazi, Patch, Mar 28 2023
Somerset County has secured $7.7 million in federal funds to improve intersections and pedestrian facilities near the Bound Brook Station. The project, approved by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, aims to enhance safety, and accommodate the growing downtown area. The improvements include high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, sidewalk replacements, and new traffic signals.
Transit and Equity News
ILLINOIS—Lightfoot Picks Affordable Housing Project for East Garfield Park
David Roeder & Michael Loria, Chicago Sun Times, Mar 27 2023
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a $47.2 million affordable apartment building, Hub 32, to be constructed near a Green Line stop in East Garfield Park. The seven-story, 63-unit building will offer housing for those earning up to 60% of the area’s median income and include ground-floor retail space. Construction is set to begin in early 2024.
CALIFORNIA—How One Real Estate Developer Would Fix the Affordable Housing Crisis
Leslie Shaver, Smart Cities Dive, Mar 23 2023
Alliant Strategic Development (ASD) plans to build over 700 affordable rental units near mass transit in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley by early 2025. The developments target low-income renters, with a goal to construct 5,000 to 10,000 affordable housing units. ASD continues to pursue additional projects in Northern and Southern California.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Metro’s Yellow Line Will End at Mt. Vernon Square Starting in May; MetroAccess Fares Capped at $4
Jordan Pascale, DCist, Mar 23 2023
In May, WMATA will terminate the Yellow Line at Mt. Vernon Square to increase service equity for underrepresented, underserved communities in the southern end of the Green Line. The Metro board also approved a $4 cap for MetroAccess paratransit rides, benefiting riders with disabilities. Turnbacks aim to improve service for transit-dependent areas, balancing demand across the network.
Regional and National TOD News
WEST VIRGINIA—State to host public meeting focused on transportation
Staff Writer, Coal Valley News, Mar 29 2023
The West Virginia Department of Transportation is updating its coordinated human services transportation plans and hosting public meetings across the state. These meetings aim to gather input from riders, operators, and agencies on public, private, and human service agency transportation resources.
International TOD News
FACT SHEET: Vice President Harris Announces Over $7 Billion in Private Sector and U.S. Government Commitments to Promote Climate Resilience, Adaptation, and Mitigation across Africa
Staff Writer, The White House Briefing Room, Mar 31 2023
Vice President Kamala Harris has announced over $7 billion in private sector investments, including several aimed at enhancing transit-oriented development in Africa. SAGLEV Inc has committed $600 million to build electric vehicle assembly plants for Ghana and extend service to Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, and South Africa by 2027. Roam, an electric vehicle company from Kenya, plans to invest $150 million to scale up affordable electric motorcycles and public transit solutions, resulting in economic benefits for micro-entrepreneurs and commuters.
CANADA—TransLink strikes agreement with developer for Arbutus rental tower
Graeme Wood, Vancouver is Awesome, Mar 29 2023
TransLink, the regional transportation authority for the Lower Mainland, has partnered with PCI Developments to construct a 30-storey rental complex near the future Arbutus SkyTrain Station in Vancouver. The transit-oriented development project aims to generate long-term revenue for expanding and improving transit services, with 20% of the rental units offered at below-market rates. This initiative is part of the TransLink Real Estate Development Program, which leverages real estate assets to promote transit use and sustainable transport across the region.