Dive Brief:
- The Federal Transit Administration opened the application window Tuesday for about $197 million in competitive grants to replace passenger rail cars or locomotives under the Rail Vehicle Replacement program for fiscal year 2024.
- The program is open to state, regional and local governmental authorities for rail vehicles used in public transportation, including commuter rail, heavy rail and light rail lines.
- Funded projects must comply with buy-American provisions under the FTA and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which sets minimum domestic content and final assembly requirements for rail cars and locomotives.
Dive Insight:
The rail-car replacement program aims to “modernize America’s transit system” and maintain equipment in good repair, the FTA says. Grants may cover up to 50% of the cost for replacement vehicles but can be combined with other FTA grants to cover additional costs. At least 20% of the total project costs must come from nonfederal funds.
The FTA will evaluate submissions based on a variety of criteria, including the potential of the project to improve safety and reliability, increase access for people with disabilities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Applicants must also show how their proposed project fits with local and regional priorities.
The FTA awarded over $700 million in rail vehicle replacement grants to six projects in fiscal year 2023. Recipients included the Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District, Chicago Transit Authority, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Sacramento Regional Transit District, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority and Utah Transit Authority.
Applications for the fiscal 2024 program must be submitted by Dec. 18, 2023.
