Gracie WarhurstThe Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced $631 million in grants to replace railcars in Chicago, Philadelphia and Baltimore. The funds come from the FTA’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, a competitive fund for rail rolling equipment.
Through the program, eligible state and local governments in urban areas can apply for grants for rail projects that focus on revenue service, passenger-carrying vehicles or propulsion vehicles necessary for public transportation.
This most recent round of awards will replace older vehicles in the three cities with 300 new railcars. Each city has goals to improve safety and accessibility of the transportation systems by modernizing the transit.
“Newer, better railcars will mean a safer, more reliable, more accessible transportation future for the people of these communities,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez in a statement. “These cars also represent hundreds of jobs in American factories, building the next generation of American transit. We are proud to select these projects to improve passenger rail service for riders across the nation.”
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will receive $317 million for 200 rail cars to replace the 25-year-old rail cars along Market Frankford Line, the most used line in SEPTA.
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will receive $214 million for 52 light rail vehicles to replace their 25-year-old vehicles. In Chicago, the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority will receive $100 million for 50 new railcars. The railcars currently in use are over 40 years old.
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