BALTIMORE — Maryland is set to receive over $213 million from the federal government as part of an initiative to upgrade the aging light rail system in the Baltimore area. The funding, announced by the state's congressional delegation, will be allocated to the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to facilitate the replacement of all 52 light rail cars currently in service.
This announcement follows a recent shutdown of the entire light rail system for emergency repairs, which occurred two months ago. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) had previously reported a significant budget deficit, which rose from $2.1 billion to $3.3 billion.
Senator Ben Cardin emphasized the importance of public transit in Baltimore, stating, “Public transit is critical to the social and economic life of Baltimore, and light rail is an integral piece of that service, connecting people to their jobs, schools, neighborhoods, and more.” He highlighted that the new cars will enhance safety and service reliability.
The state is contributing $90 million in matching funds, alongside $127.6 million in federal formula funds, to support the project. Earlier this month, Maryland lawmakers sent a letter to the Federal Transit Administration advocating for these funds, noting that some of the light rail cars have been in service since the system's inception in 1992.
Congressman John Sarbanes remarked on the challenges posed by the outdated fleet, stating, “Currently, however, our aging fleet’s frequent service disruptions can make this a challenge.” He noted that the funding is a result of efforts to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aimed at improving transportation infrastructure for Maryland commuters.
The light rail system was temporarily closed on December 8, 2023, for emergency inspections due to safety concerns related to potential issues with the vehicles. It reopened on December 23, 2023, after inspections were completed and federal grant applications were submitted for further improvements.
Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold expressed that safe and accessible transit is vital for the region's economic success. The new light rail cars will feature a low-floor design for easier access and are expected to enhance the overall reliability of the light rail system while reducing maintenance costs.
As of now, there is no established timeline for when the replacement of the light rail cars will commence. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has earmarked $1.5 billion for the Federal Transit Administration’s Rail Vehicle Replacement program through 2026.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR 2 News (source).
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