Connecting Communities Through Transit Planning Act of 2026

This bill, titled the "Connecting Communities Through Transit Planning Act of 2026," amends the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012 to enhance the transit-oriented development (TOD) planning grant program. It renames the program from a "Pilot Program" to a permanent "Grant Program," signifying an ongoing commitment to TOD initiatives. The legislation significantly expands the types of projects eligible for funding , now including fixed guideway bus rapid transit projects and corridor-based capital investments in existing fixed guideway systems, in addition to new fixed guideway capital projects. Furthermore, the bill provides a comprehensive definition for "predevelopment activities," such as site evaluation, engineering design, and community engagement, making these activities explicitly eligible for grant support. It also mandates that grants improve access to transit and TOD sites for all users, including individuals with disabilities, seniors, and veterans , by supporting features like paratransit connectivity and bicycle infrastructure. To fund these expanded efforts, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $75,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.