FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Competitive Grants for Rail Vehicle Replacement Program
The FTA is offering around $166 million in competitive grants for rail vehicle replacement projects in fiscal year 2026.
Funder: DOT - Federal Transit Administration
Due Dates: July 6, 2026 (Complete proposals submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: ~$166 million total; no minimum or maximum per award; up to 3 projects funded
Summary: Supports the replacement of passenger rail vehicles to bring urban rail fleets into a state of good repair.
Key Information: Requires 50% match (at least 20% local funds); only for urbanized areas eligible for Section 5337 funding.
Description
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) offers approximately $166 million in competitive grants for the FY 2026 Rail Vehicle Replacement Program. This program aims to help urbanized transit agencies and authorities replace aging or obsolete passenger rail vehicles—including rail cars and locomotives—to maintain a state of good repair and ensure reliable public transportation. Eligible activities are limited to the replacement (not expansion) of revenue service rail vehicles for commuter, heavy, light rail, or streetcar systems.
