Prairie State Wire

Gov. JB Pritzker has announced a significant investment in Illinois' public transportation system with $24.9 million awarded to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This funding is designated for new battery-electric paratransit vehicles and replacements, aiming to enhance services, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of life across the state.

Pritzker stated, "Here in Illinois, we are taking bold action to reach our ambitious clean energy goals and tackle the climate crisis head on—from passing landmark climate legislation and strengthening our electric vehicle ecosystem to expanding workforce development opportunities and investing in historically underserved communities." He emphasized that this funding will ensure access to clean transit services throughout Illinois.

The FTA's Low or No Emission Vehicle Program contributed $12.3 million of the total funds, which will be used to deploy 50 battery-electric paratransit vehicles along with charging infrastructure across various urban and rural public transit agencies. Additionally, 5% of this award is allocated for workforce development and training.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman highlighted the importance of public transportation by saying, "Public transportation is an essential service in all of our communities, whether rural or urban."

Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth have also supported this initiative with a $1 million Congressional-Directed Spending award. Durbin remarked on the impact of electric vehicles: "Electric vehicles enable a cleaner future, and they also create jobs across the state." Duckworth added that transitioning to electric vehicles fosters economic growth while contributing to environmental health.

A second grant worth $12.6 million will fund at least 130 standard fuel paratransit vehicles for smaller urban and rural agencies under IDOT's Consolidated Vehicle Procurement program. These new vehicles will replace outdated ones, particularly benefiting areas with high demand due to senior populations, people with disabilities, zero-car households, and Equitable Transportation Communities as defined by federal standards.

These grants are part of a broader $1.7 billion FTA investment aimed at supporting projects in 46 states and territories.