USDOT Issues Guidance for TOD Projects Seeking Loans Through the Build America Bureau
Community-focused investments like TOD are integral to the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities, including connecting communities and reducing the climate impacts of transportation.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is issuing new guidance that clarifies the eligibility of transit-oriented development (TOD) projects for specific Department resources.
The USDOT’s Build America Bureau (Bureau) developed this guidance for public and private entities seeking loans for transit-oriented development projects through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance & Innovation Act (TIFIA) and Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF) programs.
TOD centers economic development around transit, rail, and intercity bus facilities — to create walkable residential and commercial centers. Community-focused investments like TOD are integral to the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities, including connecting communities and reducing the climate impacts of transportation. The guidance is intended to help project sponsors understand the parameters for TOD projects to qualify for financing under the TIFIA and RRIF loan programs.
“When people can move safely and easily by public transit, foot, bike, wheelchair, or any other means, it can transform a community and improve the lives of those who call it home. The announcement will help communities use transit-oriented development to save residents time and money, reduce pollution and carbon emissions, and make jobs accessible to more people,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Congress, under the FAST Act, determined that TIFIA and RRIF financing could support TOD projects, but the Department had not set clear eligibility guidelines, which became a barrier to using these funds for that purpose. This new guidance opens the door to project sponsors interested in pursuing transit oriented development in keeping with the Biden-Harris Administration's priorities.
The announcement follows the Department’s actions in April, when the FTA announced the availability of $10 million in grants for TOD projects.
The Bureau is USDOT’s “one-stop shop” for innovative finance, including administering the TIFIA and RRIF programs and providing technical assistance for agencies interested in innovative finance. The Bureau has financed scores of projects and enabled billions of dollars of investment to improve the safety and connectivity of the national transportation system. There is nearly $100 billion of lending capacity available through the TIFIA and RRIF programs.
The new transit oriented development guidelines are available here.
More Management
FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide
See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit
The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone
NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →