Lateefah Simon (D-CA)
Connecting Communities Through Transit Planning Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +8
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?
The legislation directly updates and funds transit-oriented development planning grant programs.
- Scored +6
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill explicitly includes measures to improve access for individuals with disabilities.
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill specifically highlights improving transit access for seniors and transit-dependent populations.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill authorizes $75,000,000 in annual appropriations from fiscal years 2027 through 2031, increasing federal spending.
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
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
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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)).
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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)).
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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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill explicitly includes measures to improve access for individuals with disabilities. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill specifically highlights improving transit access for seniors and transit-dependent populations. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban residents benefit directly from improved transit-oriented development and infrastructure. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Low-income households benefit significantly from improved public transportation and affordable transit-oriented development. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees who depend on public transit and paratransit services benefit from enhanced accessibility features. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill explicitly incorporates accessibility considerations for veterans. Would students be better off under this? — Students frequently utilize public transit to reach schools and universities. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults often rely heavily on public transit options in urban settings. Would business owners be better off under this? — Business owners near transit corridors benefit from increased foot traffic and commercial planning support. Would children be better off under this? — Better public transit and safer station access benefit families and children relying on alternative transport. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class commuters benefit from reduced congestion and alternative transit infrastructure. Would union members be better off under this? — Increased funding for infrastructure planning and predevelopment can support unionized construction and engineering jobs. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Minority populations who disproportionately rely on public transit may see indirect accessibility benefits. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Minority populations who disproportionately rely on public transit may see indirect accessibility benefits. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Immigrants who often rely on public transportation may benefit from improved transit options. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — General improvements to regional transit infrastructure provide marginal commuting benefits. Would women be better off under this? — General improvements in transit safety and access benefit demographic groups that rely heavily on public systems.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The legislation directly updates and funds transit-oriented development planning grant programs. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Promoting public transportation and transit-oriented development helps reduce reliance on private automobiles and lowers emissions. Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The bill expands grant eligibility for fixed guideway bus rapid transit and corridor-based capital investments. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Transit planning grants support sustainable urban development practices.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill explicitly includes provisions to improve access for individuals with disabilities to transit and development sites. Does this make housing cost less? — Transit-oriented development frequently incorporates or encourages affordable housing options near transit stations. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Improved transit access helps low-income populations reach employment and educational opportunities more easily.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investments in public transit planning and development can enhance local infrastructure and economic activity. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill supports predevelopment activities and transit planning which can stimulate local jobs in engineering, architecture, and construction. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Transit-oriented development can increase foot traffic and commercial opportunities for local businesses near transit hubs. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — 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 owes? — The bill authorizes $75,000,000 in annual appropriations from fiscal years 2027 through 2031, increasing federal spending.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill allocates federal funding and establishes new federal criteria for transit grants.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The legislation explicitly targets improvements for veterans among other transit-dependent populations.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Better public transit connectivity can improve overall physical access to various community services and facilities.
- 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