Pittsburgh Regional Transit's board took the first step toward purchasing new rail vehicles by approving a resolution authorizing the agency to submit a letter of interest to the Build America Bureau for the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Investment Act program

The federal loan program allows transit agencies to borrow up to 49% of the cost for eligible projects.

The average age of a railcar in PRT's existing fleet is 33 years.

"Although our current fleet of railcars are in good condition for their age, it's clear that modernization is necessary as we prepare for the future," said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. "This is a long process, but submitting this letter of interest is the first step that will allow us to move this vision to reality."

PRT’s New Railcar Plan

PRT estimates the total cost of new railcars to be about $750 million, with the remainder of the funds come from bond issuances. The agency also plans to pursue grant opportunities.

The new rail procurement process is expected to take approximately 12 years.

Exactly what the new railcars will look like is still being decided; PRT has formed an internal committee to determine what features and amenities should be included.

Special attention is being paid to accessibility, safety, and amenities for riders.

"A new fleet of railcars will ensure that we can have a future light rail network that is reliable and dependable, ensuring a smoother and more dependable transit experience for decades to come," Kelleman said. "It's a lengthy journey but this is a crucial first step and I'm genuinely excited about the potential it holds for our transit system and the communities we serve."