Casten, Duckworth, Durbin Announce $100 Million to Modernize Metra Railcars and Improve Accessibility
Monday, February 26th 2024 - U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that Metra is expected to receive $100,000,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FY24 Rail Vehicle Replacement Program for Metra’s Modern Railcars Project. This funding will support Metra in purchasing 50 modern, ADA-accessible, multilevel railcars to replace rail cars that have serviced Illinoisians for over 40 years. The new cars will include ADA-accessible restrooms and aisleways which will help improve reliability, efficiency and overall passenger experience.
“Metra provides critical access to efficient and reliable transportation to folks throughout the 6th District,” said Casten. “I’m proud to have helped secure this federal funding to support Metra’s efforts to modernize their fleet and improve passenger safety, accessibility, and rider comfort.”
“So many Illinoisans rely on Metra to get to work and for so much more, so it’s critical that they can get where they’re going safely, easily and efficiently,” said Duckworth. “Today’s infusion of federal funding will go a long way toward modernizing the Metra and helping ensure every Illinoisan is able to ride its railcars. I’m proud to make this announcement alongside Senator Durbin today.”
“Metra plays an indispensable role in the daily lives of countless Illinoisans,” said Durbin. “This federal funding will not only bolster the efficiency and safety of Metra’s operations, but also elevate the overall passenger experience.”
“This grant award is fantastic news. It will enable Metra to continue our recent efforts to renew our fleet and provide safe, reliable, comfortable and affordable service for Chicago area residents,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “Once again we must thank our hard-working and incredibly effective Congressional delegation, including Senators Durbin and Duckworth, for their success in securing federal dollars for Metra and for Illinois.”