A branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), has announced the allocation of nearly $197 million for the modernization of the country's rail transit system. The funding will be used to replace aging railcars, improving reliability, safety, and accessibility for millions of Americans who depend on these rail systems for their daily commute.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the urgency of the modernization effort, stating that Americans who ride transit deserve the opportunity to travel on newer, safer, and more efficient railcars. The FTA's Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, which received these funds, is part of a larger $1.5 billion investment secured by the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The complete disbursement of this investment is planned by 2026.
FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez highlighted the significant need for this financial commitment, noting that one-third of subway and commuter rail vehicles in the U.S. are more than 25 years old. She expressed pride in providing support to transit agencies to make the necessary investments in replacing their aging railcars and making their systems more accessible.
Interested transit agencies can apply for the available funding through the Notice of Funding Opportunity, accessible on the FTA's official website and GRANTS.GOV. The application deadline for electronic submissions is December 18, 2023.
The FTA's 2022/2023 allocations will benefit multiple states. California will receive $45 million for 16 new light rail vehicles, while Florida has been allocated $71.7 million for 24 rail vehicles in Miami. Illinois will receive $200 million for up to 300 electric railcars, and Missouri/Illinois will receive $196.3 million for 48 light rail vehicles in St. Louis. Additionally, Ohio has been awarded $130 million for 60 new rail vehicles, and Utah will receive $60 million for 20 new light rail vehicles.
The allocation of nearly $197 million by the FTA is a significant step towards the modernization of the U.S. rail transit system. By replacing outdated railcars and investing in safety and accessibility features, the FTA aims to improve the overall reliability and efficiency of rail transportation for millions of Americans.
