Chicago’s commuter train operator, Metra, has been selected as one of three organizations to receive funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Rail Vehicle Replacement Program. This program is part of a larger $631 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade fleets and support American manufacturing.
Metra’s Commuter Rail Division, which operates under the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), will use their $100 million grant to replace older railcars with newer ones. These modern multi-level railcars will feature improved passenger safety and accessibility, as well as new amenities. The replacement is necessary for aging railcars that have been in service for over 40 years. In order to receive the grant funds, Metra must also provide matching funds from local sources.
Not only does this project aim to improve transportation services for Chicago commuters but it also promises job opportunities in American factories where these new cars will be built. According to FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez: “These cars also represent hundreds of jobs in American factories building the next generation of transit.” Other commuter operators in Baltimore and Philadelphia were also awarded grants through this program.
This article was originally published on Connect CRE.
