by Baltimore’s Light Rail System Gets $213 Million Upgrade
In a significant development for Baltimore’s transit system, the Maryland Transit Administration has secured a whopping $213,696,341 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration’s Rail Vehicle Replacement program. This funding will be used to replace all 52 aging Light Rail vehicles in the MTA’s fleet with new, modern railcars.
The State of Maryland is also chipping in with $90 million in matching funds, and an additional $127.6 million in federal formula funds will be allocated to the project, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This grant is a huge win for improving mobility in the Baltimore region.
Governor Moore expressed his gratitude for the support from federal partners and local representatives in securing this funding. The goal is to ensure that MTA’s light rail fleet remains safe and operational for years to come. Maryland Transportation Secretary, Paul J. Wiedefeld, highlighted the importance of this federal funding in enhancing safety, accessibility, and performance on the Light Rail system.
Maryland Transit Administrator, Holly Arnold, emphasized the significance of this grant in providing a more equitable and modern transit system for Baltimore and Maryland residents. The $450 million Light Rail vehicle replacement project is a high priority for the agency and is included in the Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s long-range plan.
The project will see the introduction of modern, low-floor vehicles that will make boarding easier and more accessible for all passengers. This upgrade will not only improve the efficiency and convenience of the Light Rail system but also enhance safety, comfort, and reliability for riders.
The benefits of this project include improved accessibility and mobility, increased frequency of trains, enhanced safety and comfort, lower maintenance costs, and improved equity for the more than 13,000 daily riders of the Light Rail system. The federal funding is part of a larger initiative to replace aging railcars across the country and ensure safe and accessible travel for all communities.
The Maryland Transit Administration operates various transit modes, including Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service, and Mobility paratransit system. Their goal is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit services across Maryland. To learn more about MTA’s initiatives, visit their website at mta.maryland.gov or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
