FTA issues NOFO for $197 million in funding through Rail Vehicle Replacement Program

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $197 million in competitive grant funding through its Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, which was established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The Rail Vehicle Replacement Program will fund transit agencies and state and local governmental authorities’ efforts to replace rail vehicles that are approaching or have exceeded their useful life.

As Mass Transit previously reported, FTA awarded $703.1 million to transit agencies in California, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Utah in May to replace rail cars as part of the first round of funding through the Rail Vehicle Replacement Program.

The initial round of grants for the Rail Vehicle Replacement Program opened in October 2022 to support projects with funds to replace vehicles on subway systems, commuter rail and light-rail systems.

“One-third of subway and commuter rail vehicles are more than 25 years old,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “Americans who ride transit deserve the opportunity to travel on newer, safer and more efficient railcars and we are proud to provide support for transit agencies to make the significant investments needed to replace their aging railcars and make their systems more accessible.”

Complete proposals for the NOFO must be submitted electronically to the FTA by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 18, 2023. Proposals can be submitted through FTA’s website.