Pittsburgh Rapid Transit will receive $82,774,074 in federal funding to replace aging light rail vehicles on the “T” train system.
The funding will allow the agency to purchase 45 new 170-foot light rail vehicles. These new cars will replace 76 existing 80-foot vehicles that are more than 30 years old and have reached technical obsolescence.
Agency officials expect the modernization to maintain continuous service, reduce network disruptions, improve energy efficiency and enhance the passenger experience across the light rail system.
U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, who represents Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, wrote a letter in support of PRT’s grant application.
“I’m proud that I helped secure more than $82 million in federal funding to replace old T train cars,” Deluzio said. “The T keeps our communities moving and upgrading PRT’s aging train cars will make service safer, more comfortable and more efficient—helping folks get to where they need to go. I will keep up the work to deliver federal money to strengthen and modernize Western Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.”
U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, who represents Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, stressed the importance of public transit funding for area residents.
“This multi-million-dollar investment in PRT is welcome news for Pittsburgh and for the thousands of riders who depend on public transit every day,” Lee said. “Replacing aging rail cars and investing in an updated fleet will help keep the T running on time, reduce maintenance costs and disruptions and provide riders with safer, more dependable service. I’m proud to partner with our local and federal leaders to make these critical investments in an accessible PRT system that keeps our communities connected and our region moving.”
Pittsburgh Rapid Transit CEO Katharine Kelleman credited joint efforts across agencies for obtaining the grant.
“I want to thank everyone who played a role in making this funding possible,” Kelleman said. “This investment will help us move forward with a new fleet of rail cars that will provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable and more reliable experience for decades to come.”
The federal grant awarded to PRT comes from the Rail Vehicle Replacement Program. The discretionary program assists local transit organizations with replacing passenger-carrying rail rolling stock and propulsion vehicles used in public transportation.
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