Investment will replace decades-old vehicles that pose operational challenges, safety risks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is delivering $166 million to upgrade America passenger rail vehicles nationwide. By replacing outdated light rail and commuter rail vehicles, the Trump Administration is continuing its promise to make commuting safer and more efficient for the millions of Americans who rely on public transit every day.

One-third of subway and commuter rail vehicles in the United States are more than 25 years old. These older railcars contribute to delays, increased maintenance costs, and customer dissatisfaction.

FTA selected three projects to receive funding through the Rail Vehicle Replacement Grants program:

• $82.7 million to Pennsylvania’s Port Authority of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh Regional Transit) to buy 45 new light rail vehicles–replacing some models that have been in service for nearly 50 years.
• $70 million to Texas’ Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to replace 53 light rail vehicles originally purchased in the 1990s.
• $13.3 million to Pennsylvania’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to replace 50-year-old Silverliner IV electrical multiple unit commuter railcars in service on its regional rail system.

“Upgrading America’s passenger rail infrastructure is part of USDOT’s mission to usher in the Golden Age of Rail under President Trump,”said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “These funds will buy new, safer light rail vehicles that have been in service for decades. New transit infrastructure will help commuters avoid delays and improve their passenger experience.”

“This is another example of the Trump Administration’s commitment to modernizing rail transit service—providing safer, more reliable, more comfortable travel for families on new, American-made railcars,” said FTA Acting Deputy Administrator Matthew Cahill.

FTA’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Grants aim to replace aging railcars, improve reliability, safety, and convenience on the nation’s rail transit systems.

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