Transit Village Grant Program

The Transit Village Grant Program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation through its Division of Local Aid and Economic Development. This program is designed to support municipalities that have been formally designated as Transit Villages, reflecting a state-recognized commitment to concentrated, transit-oriented development. The initiative aligns with broader state goals to reduce reliance on automobiles, improve environmental outcomes such as air and water quality, and promote sustainable land use patterns by focusing growth around existing transportation infrastructure including commuter rail, bus, ferry, and light rail systems. The primary purpose of the program is to fund non-traditional transportation-related projects that enhance mobility and accessibility within a defined transit village area, typically within a half-mile radius of a transit facility. These projects are intended to improve the integration of transportation modes while supporting community revitalization and economic development. Eligible project types include pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure such as paths, lanes, and storage facilities, as well as wayfinding signage, traffic calming measures, station improvements, and amenities that improve the overall user experience at transit locations. Funding under the program may be used for construction activities, including inspection and material testing, as well as limited design work for certain qualifying municipalities. However, expenditures are subject to restrictions, including limits on design costs and prohibitions on using funds for planning, operating expenses, or projects unrelated to transportation. Projects must be located at least partially within the designated transit village area and must demonstrate a clear connection to transportation improvement goals. Certain activities such as roadway resurfacing or projects outside the half-mile radius are explicitly ineligible. Eligibility is limited to municipalities that have received official Transit Village designation from the Commissioner of Transportation. Each eligible municipality may submit only one application per funding cycle. The application process is conducted through the System for Administering Grants Electronically, commonly referred to as SAGE. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive Scope of Work detailing how the proposed project meets the program’s evaluation criteria, along with a Data Sheet and supporting materials such as maps and photographs. An electronic resolution must also be submitted through the Project Management and Reporting System within a specified timeframe after application submission. Projects are evaluated based on several criteria emphasizing connectivity, accessibility, and community impact. Key considerations include proximity to transit facilities, improvements to pedestrian and bicycle access, and enhancements that increase safety and user satisfaction. Additional factors include the applicant’s track record in completing prior grants, the project’s location within designated economic or urban priority zones, and the extent to which the project addresses equity considerations for underserved populations. The use of proven safety countermeasures and innovative approaches to transportation challenges may further strengthen an application. The program follows a structured annual timeline. Applications are typically accepted between April and July, with required resolutions due by the end of July. Grant announcements are expected by late November, and successful applicants are required to award project contracts within twenty-four months of notification. The program operates on a recurring annual basis, and the number and size of grants awarded may vary each year depending on available funding and program priorities. Municipalities are encouraged to carefully align their proposals with program objectives to maximize competitiveness.

Align project clearly with pedestrian and bicycle improvements, demonstrate proximity to transit, highlight equity impacts and innovative approaches, and ensure all required documentation is complete to avoid scoring penalties.