Eligible transit agencies and states have until Jan. 5, 2023, to apply for $600 million in funding provided by the Federal Transit Administration to replace old rail cars.
Applications will be made through a notice of funding opportunity for the fiscal year 2022 and 2023 Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, an Oct. 12 news release said. The funds can be used to “replace vehicles on subway systems, commuter rail and light rail systems.”
“Every day, millions of Americans rely on assets like subways, commuter rail and streetcars to get where they need to go – but too often, rail cars are decades out of date,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are using new resources to help modernize America's aging railcars so that riders who depend on them get faster, safer and more reliable service.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide $1.5 billion in funding for the next five years for the Federal Transit Administration’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program because older railcars “contribute to service delays and increased costs” plus lack new amenities like digital signage and audio tools, the release said.
“One-third of subway and commuter rail vehicles are more than 25 years old,” Federal Transit Administration Administrator Nuria Fernandez said in the release. “Americans who ride transit deserve a world-class experience, featuring newer, safer, more efficient rail cars. Thanks to the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re going to help provide that opportunity.”
Instructions for applying and eligibility information can be found on the FTA website and at grants.gov. The complete proposals must be submitted electronically through the GRANTS.GOV “APPLY" function by Jan. 5, 2023, the release reported.
