In late September, the Houston Metro board of directors approved the purchase of 39 light rail vehicles (LRVs) from CAF USA, U.S. subsidiary of Spain's Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles.
The $153.1 million proposal submitted by CAF USA is fully compliant with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Buy America guidelines and will now move forward with the news earlier this week that a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) is in place.
"Now that we have secured the FFGAs we are focused on continuing to build the light rail system the region needs. We are also pleased the FTA has placed its confidence in Metro and our revised procurement procedures." said Metro President/CEO George Greanias.
Construction on three new light-rail projects is in full swing and visible along Houston's East End, North and Southeast lines.
The projects are expected to be completed and ready for passengers in mid-2014. The delivery of the 39 light railcars is expected in two years.