FTA allocates $166M for new passenger-rail cars

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has designated $166 million to replace passenger-rail vehicles nationwide through its Rail Vehicle Replacement Grants program.

One-third of subway and commuter-rail vehicles in the United States are more than 25 years old, contributing to delays, increased maintenance costs and customer dissatisfaction, FTA officials said in a press release. The grant program aims to replace aging light-rail and commuter-rail vehicles to improve reliability, safety and convenience on the nation’s transit systems.

FTA selected three projects to receive funding through the 2026 program:

• $82.7 million to Pittsburgh Regional Transit to buy 45 new light-rail vehicles;
• $70 million to Dallas Area Rapid Transit to replace 53 light-rail vehicles originally purchased in the 1990s; and
• $13.3 million to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to replace 50-year-old Silverliner IV electrical multiple-unit commuter-rail cars on its regional rail system. 

The Rail Vehicle Replacement Grant program is a set aside of the State of Good Repair Formula Grants Program established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Eligible recipients include state and local government authorities in urbanized areas that qualify for State of Good Repair Formula Funding; grants can cover the replacement of passenger vehicles and propulsion vehicles used in revenue service. The federal share is not to exceed 80% of the net project cost.