"Maryland Secures $213M Federal Grant for Baltimore Light Rail Replacement"

Maryland will receive over $213 million in federal funding to replace its aging fleet of light rail vehicles, with the state matching the funds with $90 million of its own. The project aims to replace the 95-foot rail cars dating back to 1992 with modern, low-floor vehicles for easier boarding. The funding comes from a new rail upkeep program established by President Biden's bipartisan infrastructure law, and the state's all-Democratic delegation played a key role in passing the legislation. The overhaul of the fleet is deemed "long overdue" by officials, following frequent service disruptions and a recent shutdown for inspections and repairs.