WASHINGTON — The Federal Transit Administration has announced the availability of $600 million for new subway, light rail, and commuter railcars under its Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, part of $1.5 billion over the next five years under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“One-third of subway and commuter rail vehicles are more than 25 years old,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said in a press release on the Notice of Funding Opportunity. “Americans who ride transit deserve a world-class experience, featuring newer, safer, more efficient railcars.”
The full Notice of Funding Opportunity for fiscal 2022 and 2023 is available here. More information on the program, including information about a Nov. 3 webinar on how to apply, is available here.
Proposals must be submitted through the Grants.gov Apply function by Jan. 5, 2023.
I live in the Philadelphia, PA area and many of our rail related equipment is old. The amount listed for this grant is way too low when considered all the rail oriented old equipment is out there nationwide. Rail equipment if maintained will last for years but you do sacrifice later updates such as handicapped access, more efficient power systems. So it is a nice start but much more funding is needed.
$600 million will buy you 200 Alstom Coradia push-pull cars for Metra