NJ TRANSIT launches The LAND Plan (right); NJ Future Smart Growth Awards; Montgomery Co’s (MD) affordable TOD; Honolulu’s Skyline opens four new stations; India plans 4,500-mile high-speed rail network (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
NJ TRANSIT Launches Real Estate Opportunities Roadmap for Up to $1.9 Billion in Potential Non-Farebox Revenue
Press Release, NJ TRANSIT | October 15, 2025
NJ TRANSIT unveiled The LAND Plan: Leveraging Assets for Non-Farebox Dollars, a 30-year strategy to generate up to $1.9 billion in revenue through development of its 8,000-acre real estate portfolio. The plan identifies opportunities from transit-oriented development to solar power, potentially creating 50,000 jobs, 20,000 housing units, and $14 billion in statewide economic activity.
NJ TOD News
Filling the Gaps: Highlights from Our Infill and Transit Connected Communities Forum
Staff, NJTOD | October 15, 2025
On September 30, NJTOD, NJ TRANSIT’s Transit Friendly Planning (TFP) program, and Downtown New Jersey hosted Filling the Gaps: Infill for Transit Connected Communities, bringing together experts, practitioners, and researchers from across New Jersey. The panel explored strategies for building community support, increasing housing availability, improving walkability, and expanding green space.
Why Housing Density Has Become a Key Issue in the New Jersey Governor’s Race
Jared Brey, Governing | October 14, 2025
Gubernatorial candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill have made housing density a defining issue in the election, clashing over New Jersey’s affordable housing law. Ciattarelli claims it drives overdevelopment, while Sherrill supports expanding affordable housing alongside environmental protections.
RAHWAY—NJ TRANSIT Unveils Transitional Art Project at the Rahway Train Station
David Jablonski, Union News Daily | October 13, 2025
NJ TRANSIT and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts unveiled Arriving Home at the Rahway Station, the latest installation in their Transitional Art Project, which brings temporary exhibitions to transit facilities statewide. Featuring photography by Tim Heauser and John Cerra and fiber art by Wendy Sheridan and Lauren Reidy, the display highlights local talent and strengthens connections between transit spaces and the communities they serve.
New Jersey Future Celebrates Smart Growth Awards at SOPAC
Thomas Philip, ROI NJ | October 10, 2025
New Jersey Future held its 23rd annual Smart Growth Awards, recognizing seven projects statewide, including TOD developments Clinton Lofts in Newark, Oliver Station in Camden, and Hoboken Connect. Developer Adenah Bayoh received the Leadership Award for her community-centered approach to development.
Transit and Equity News
MARYLAND—$10.6 Million Project Adds 76 New Affordable Units Near Purple Line in Silver Spring
Patrick Herron, MoCo Government | October 17, 2025
Montgomery County celebrated the reopening of Park Montgomery and the launch of Park Montgomery West, preserving 141 affordable units and adding 76 new ones near the future Purple Line station in Silver Springs. The $10.6 million project, supported by county, state, and federal funding, expands transit-accessible housing for households earning 30 to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI).
K-Shaped Cars: New Vehicle Prices Top $50,000 While Auto Loan Delinquencies Keep Rising
Michael Wayland, CNBC | October 13, 2025
The average price of a new car in the U.S. surpassed $50,000 for the first time last month, pushing total auto debt to $1.66 trillion. Subprime loan delinquencies hit 6.4 percent in August—near record highs—leaving many buyers priced, while wealthier households with strong credit continue to sustain the high-end market.
WASHINGTON—Bellevue Selects Bellwether Housing to Develop Affordable Homes on City-Owned Wilburton Property
Press Release, City of Bellevue | October 13, 2025
Bellevue has selected Bellwether Housing to build at least 127 affordable homes on city-owned land in the Wilburton Transit-Oriented Development District near the new light rail line. The project supports the City’s goal of adding 5,700 affordable units over the next decade and will feature family-sized units for households earning between 30 and 80 percent of AMI. Completion is expected by 2030.
CALIFORNIA—California Awards $414 Million to Affordable Housing Developments
Staff, Affordable Housing Finance | October 10, 2025
The California Department of Housing and Community Development awarded $414 million to create more than 2,000 affordable homes across 16 counties. The funding will support housing for extremely low- to moderate-income residents, including seniors, veterans, and people with special needs. Since 2020, the state has allocated over $1.6 billion to produce nearly 13,000 affordable homes.
Regional and National TOD News
NEW JERSEY and NEW YORK—Is Trump’s Move to ‘Terminate’ Gateway Tunnel Legal?
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight News | October 17, 2025
President Trump announced he has “terminated” federal funding for the $16 billion Hudson River Gateway rail tunnel, one of the nation’s most critical infrastructure projects. The move drew sharp criticism from New Jersey officials, including Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker and Attorney General Matt Platkin, who warned it threatens the region’s economy, commuter rail service, and 115-year-old Hudson River tunnels.
HAWAII—Honolulu Rails Adds 4 Stations and Hopes More People Get on Board
Ashley Mizuo, Hawaii Public Radio | October 16, 2025
Honolulu’s Skyline transit system opened its second segment, adding four new stations in the city center. The $10 billion project aims to expand transit access across the city. Mayor Rick Blangiardi set a goal of 25,000 daily riders within a year, while construction continues on the third phase and officials consider future extensions to connect additional communities.
MASSACHUSETTS—Leominster Lawmaker Wants to Fund Extended Fitchburg Commuter Rail with Potential North Central Casino
Sam Drysdale, Worcester Business Journal | October 15, 2025
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that would dedicate 25 percent of gaming revenue from a proposed new casino in north Massachusetts to expand commuter rail service along the Route 2 corridor. Supporters say the plan would boost regional transit, create jobs, and drive economic growth in an area with higher unemployment.
More Buses, More Riders: The Case for Frequent Transit
Joshua Woods, Planetizen | October 14, 2025
Transit planner Joshua Woods argues that frequency is the key to effective public transit, noting that consistent service dramatically boosts convenience and ridership. He highlights Pace’s Pulse Dempster Line, which became one of the busiest routes with its 15-minute schedule showing that reliable frequency can address many transit challenges.
CALIFORNIA—Caltrain’s Electric Trains Now Earn Money While Powering the Grid
Staff, Metro Magazine | October 9, 2025
Caltrain will earn about $1 million annually by returning clean energy from its electric trains to the grid through regenerative braking, supported by California’s AB 1372. The program reduces costs, increases revenue, and demonstrates the benefits of its all-electric fleet.
International TOD News
CANADA—Toronto, Feds Break Ground on New Transit-Oriented Community in Scarborough
Staff, Renew Canada | October 16, 2025
Toronto and the federal government have begun major construction on a mixed-use, transit-oriented development at 777 Victoria Park Avenue in Scarborough Southwest. The project will deliver 705 rental homes—including 256 affordable units—along with community space and retail on a former TTC commuter parking lot at Victoria Park Station.
INDIA—India Develops High-Speed Railways Stretching 7,000 KM
Staff, Railway Supply | October 16, 2025
India plans to develop a nearly 4,500-mile high-speed rail network by 2047, connecting major cities such as Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Led by the Ministry of Railways, the project will feature trains reaching speeds of up to 217 mph and aims to drive domestic manufacturing, exports, and job creation while showcasing technological progress.
AUSTRALIA—Landen Plans 444-Apartment Community in Bella Vista Metro Zone
Joel Robinson, Apartments AU | October 12, 2025
Developer Landen plans a 444-apartment, transit-oriented community beside Bella Vista Metro Station in Western Sydney. The four-building project, designed by Turner Architects, will offer diverse housing options, communal spaces, and direct connections to the Metro station and pedestrian paths. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion expected by 2028.