The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will provide approximately $197 million for the replacement of aging railcars through the Rail Vehicle Replacement Program.
The goal is to improve rail transit systems’ reliability, safety, and accessibility. Older railcars often lack audio tools, digital signage and other newer features, and often are not accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, older railcars increase costs and contribute to service delays.
“One-third of subway and commuter rail vehicles are more than 25 years old,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said. “Americans who ride transit deserve the opportunity to travel on newer, safer, and more efficient railcars, and we are proud to provide support for transit agencies to make the significant investments needed to replace their aging railcars and make their systems more accessible.”
“Millions of Americans rely on public transit every day to get where we need to go — yet far too many railcars are decades out of date,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will invest $1.5 billion in new funding through 2026 for FTA’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program.
Funding will be provided to commuter rail, light rail, subway, and other systems. Eligible applicants can apply through the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rail Vehicle Replacement Program. The application deadline is Dec. 18.