$213M Approved To Replace MTA Maryland's Light Rail Vehicles: Reports

BALTIMORE, MD — All 52 MTA Maryland light rail vehicles are set to be replaced after $213 million was approved Tuesday through a federal grant that will benefit infrastructure, per media reports.

The funding stems from President Joe Biden's new rail maintenance program as part of his $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law, the Capital Gazette reported.

WBAL-TV reported the news comes about two months after light rails entered a two-week suspension in December after it was determined they had electrical issues following an October explosion.

"Maryland's Light Rail service helps keep Baltimore area residents and the local economy on the move – which is why we need to keep it in top shape," U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, said in a statement, per WBAL-TV. "This federal investment will provide the critical funds the MTA needs to fully replace its aging fleet with state-of-the-art rail cars and ensure that people across the city and surrounding communities can get where they need to go safely, efficiently and reliably."

Read more via WBAL-TV and the Capital Gazette.