The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced recently 15 grants in nine states to help make it easier for people with disabilities and mobility needs to access some of the nation’s oldest and busiest rail transit systems through essential upgrades, such as elevators. The approximately $686 million in grants represents the first round of funding from the new All Stations Accessibility Program, which is designed to improve the accessibility of transit rail stations so everyone, including those who use wheelchairs, push strollers, or cannot easily navigate stairs, can reliably access the rail systems in their communities.

Inaccessibility is a significant hurdle for riders using rail systems built before 1990, known as legacy systems. More than 900 transit legacy stations are not fully accessible today. The All Stations Accessibility Program provides support for transit agencies to repair, improve, modify, retrofit, or relocate station elements or facilities for passenger use. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $1.75 billion for this important program over five years.

Maryland: 

The Maryland Transit Administration will receive $7,109,500 to develop plans and complete environmental work for the future renovation of the Martin Airport station on its Penn commuter rail line to make it safer and fully accessible. The station, located north of Baltimore requires riders to cross multiple tracks to board the train.