The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a new grant program established under the Infrastructure Investment in Jobs Act that will help transit agencies replace aging rail cars. The NOFO makes $600 million available for the FY 2022 and FY 2023 Rail Vehicle Replacement Program where eligible transit agencies and states can apply for the funds to replace vehicles on subway systems, commuter rail and light-rail systems.
"Every day, millions of Americans rely on assets like subways, commuter rail, and streetcars to get where they need to go – but too often, railcars are decades out of date," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are using new resources to help modernize America's aging railcars so that riders who depend on them get faster, safer, and more reliable service."
Older railcars contribute to service delays and increased costs while lacking newer amenities, such as digital signage and audio tools, that improve the riding experience and accessibility for persons with disabilities. That’s why the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a total of $1.5 billion in new funding over the next five years for FTA's Rail Vehicle Replacement Program.
"One-third of subway and commuter rail vehicles are more than 25 years old," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. "Americans who ride transit deserve a world-class experience, featuring newer, safer, more efficient railcars. Thanks to the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re going to help provide that opportunity."
Instructions for applying and eligibility information can be found on FTA's website and in GRANTS.GOV (FTA-2023-001-TPM-RAIL). Complete proposals must be submitted electronically through the GRANTS.GOV “APPLY" function by January 5, 2023.
