WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration on Friday announced the availability of more than $153 million in grant funding to initiate, restore, or improve intercity passenger service.
The funds under the FRA’s Restoration and Enhancement Grant program are to assist with operating costs on projects that establish new routes, restore service on routes that previously had passenger service, or add to service on existing routes. For up to the first six years of a new, restored, or improved service, they cover expenses such as crew costs; station costs such as ticket sales, customer information, and train dispatching; routine maintenance costs; marketing; and administrative costs.
The program “plays a vital role in bringing world-class rail passenger service to all American by improving rider satisfaction and making possible new routes and services,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said in a press release announcing the program’s Notice of Funding Opportunity. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “Safer, more frequent, and more accessible passenger rail services — made possible with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — will expand travel and commuting options, creating newly efficient and sustainable opportunities to get around the country.”
This is the first round of funding made available for the program since funding was greatly increased by the infrastructure law. $4.4 million in funds were awarded in fiscal 2017, and $22.4 million in fiscal years 2018-2020.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available here; more details on the program can be found here.
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