The state of Connecticut is moving forward to modernize its public transit system, where transit-oriented development is emerging as a great strategy to help communities and develop new opportunities. Let’s see how the state is working for the TOD and other details.
Transit-Oriented Development
Transit-Oriented Development means designing and planning communities centered around public transit to encourage social mobility, walking, so that people don’t have to rely on private vehicles. This type of approach
The State of Connecticut initiated transit-oriented development to enhance the public transit system, increase daily ridership, provide community benefits, and promote economic growth. Transit-oriented Development funding in the state is achieved through various programs.
The state has taken the initiative of TOD in various cities, such as New Haven, Stamford, Danbury, West Hartford, and many others. The public and private organizations are also investing in TOD to encourage development around public transit.
How does the state fund the Transit-oriented development?
The state of Connecticut funds the Transit-Oriented Development mainly through TOD Funds and various programs. Let’s explore the funding opportunities for the TOD projects and efforts:
- Responsible Growth & TOD Grant Program:
- The grant funds the TOD projects and focuses on long-term growth, protecting the natural resources.
- The Department of Economic and Community Development and other agencies administer the funds under the RGTOD grants, where the funding amount is limited between $200,000 and $2,000,000.
- The TOD projects will need to meet some eligibility criteria to receive the assistance under the RGTOD grant.
- TOD fund:
- The public and private organizations have together invested $15 million in the TOD projects around stations and proposed transit corridors.
- The $13 million had come from private organizations, and $1 million and others came from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and state funds.
- The aim for the TOD funds was to include Affordable housing funds, infrastructure, and others.
- The eligible projects under the TOD funds should be within a half-mile distance from the stations or stops, CTFastrack, Shore Line East, Hartford Line, New Haven, New Canaan, Waterbury Lines, and Danbury.
- The fund offers loans up to $3 million for pre-development and other initiatives promoting TOD.
- Small Town Economic Assistance Program:
- The STEAP offers funds for the development of small towns and improving the quality of life for the residents.
- The program began for FY 2025 from 09 Jan 2025 and awarded the funds to the eligible applicants by 03 April 2025.
Major TOD Projects in Connecticut
The State of Connecticut has many TOD projects going on, contributing to the development of the public transit system. Here we have listed some of the major TOD projects in the state:
- Stamford Transportation Center TOD and Joint Development:
- Stamford is the second-largest growing city in the State and is connected to major cities like New York.
- The STC serves more than 5 million passengers each year; hence, to enhance the riders’ experience, the facilities around the station need to improve.
- It’s a public-private partnership project that has released the proposal for private developers.
- New Haven Union Station TOD:
- Governor Lamont has announced $316.1 million for the transit-oriented, mixed-use community, and others at New Haven Union Station.
- The project involves the development of 470 new apartments, retail and commercial space, residential amenities, 294 parking spaces, and others.
- The first phase of the project will commence in late 2026, will be completed by 2028, and the next phase will begin in 2029 to be finished by 2031.
- Windsor Lock:
- The DRCD announced two years ago the Windsor Locks project and awarded $4.8 million for transit-oriented development.
- The project involves the restoration of the train station, commercial complex building, apartments, and others.
How does TOD impact the Connecticut Public Transit System?
The State of Connecticut is focusing on the Transit-Oriented Development in the hope of having a positive impact on the public transit system:
- Riders density increase: The riders’ density in the state has been improving, but it is still behind the rate before the COVID came. With the development of public transit, the government encourages people to take public transportation, as it will be within walking distance.
- Vibrant Centres: The TOD centres will provide a vibrant touch to the public transit system, activity hubs, and walkable neighbourhoods that will attract passengers.
- Multimodal Connections: The TOD projects include bus and rail integration, bicycle paths, pedestrian areas, and many other transportation modes to provide a seamless travel experience to the residents.
- Environmental Protection: With the reduced dependence on private vehicles, the GHG emissions will be cut short, and people will use public transportation, which will eventually benefit the environment.
The State of Connecticut’s TOD approach is commendable for improving the public transit system and providing the best for the residents.
