Bill · H.R. 7298· House(119-HR-7298)
Connecting Communities Through Transit Planning Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/30/2026
- Last activity
- 1/31/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Sponsored by
- Lateefah Simon
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Connecting Communities Through Transit Planning Act of 2026 seeks to amend the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012. It changes the transit-oriented development project eligibility to include fixed guideway bus rapid transit and corridor-based investments in existing systems. The bill expands the definition of predevelopment activities to include various site preparation tasks. It also updates grant purposes to include supporting these predevelopment activities and improving transit access. Finally, it authorizes $75,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 30
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+8
The legislation directly updates and funds transit-oriented development planning grant programs.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+6
The bill explicitly includes measures to improve access for individuals with disabilities.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically highlights improving transit access for seniors and transit-dependent populations.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
The bill authorizes $75,000,000 in annual appropriations from fiscal years 2027 through 2031, increasing federal spending.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill authorizes $75,000,000 in annual appropriations from fiscal years 2027 through 2031, increasing federal spending.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded Transit Options: By including fixed guideway bus rapid transit and corridor-based investments in existing systems, more types of transit projects can qualify for the grant program (Section 2, subsection (a)(1)).
-
Better Site Preparation: The updated definition of predevelopment activities allows for planning, site evaluation, engineering, architectural design, community engagement, and feasibility studies, which helps prepare sites for transit-oriented development (Section 2, subsection (a)(1)(B)).
-
Improved Accessibility: The bill aims to improve access to transit and transit-oriented development sites for all users, specifically mentioning individuals with disabilities, seniors, veterans, and other transit-dependent populations (Section 2, subsection (a)(1)(3)(B)).
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Enhanced Connectivity: The provision includes using paratransit connectivity and bicycle infrastructure to ensure people of all ages and abilities can reach and navigate transit stations safely and efficiently (Section 2, subsection (a)(1)(3)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+6Good For Seniors+5Good For Urban Residents+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Retirees+4Good For Veterans+4Good For Students+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For Business Owners+2Good For Children+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Union Workers+2Good For African Americans+1Good For Hispanic Americans+1Good For Immigrants+1Good For Middle Aged+1Good For Women+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+8Reduces Carbon Emissions+5Improves Roads And Bridges+4Improves Environmental Protections+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Affordable Housing+3Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+1
- 4/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/31/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 1/30/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Sara JacobsDemocrat · California
LaMonica McIverDemocrat · New Jersey
Mike QuigleyDemocrat · Illinois