U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) have announced that Connect Transit will receive a $1.45 million grant to purchase zero-emission battery electric buses and install solar panels at the Connect Transit maintenance facility. This competitive Federal Transit Administration grant was authorized as part of the FAST Act, the long-term highway bill Congress passed in 2015.
“This project represents a strategic investment to help improve energy consumption and strengthen the economy while supporting the deployment of technologically advanced US-made transit buses. The grant award will allow Connect Transit to start converting our aging fleet from diesel to electric battery powered buses as part of our strategic plan to embrace alternative fuel vehicles and reduce emissions. The grant will allow Connect to purchase electric buses, charging stations, and solar infrastructure. We are grateful for both Congressman Davis and LaHood and Senator Durbin and Duckworth support on the grant application. This a great project for Connect Transit and the Bloomington-Normal community,” said Interim General Manager Isaac Thorne.
“Investing in our smaller transit systems means investing in jobs and economic growth. Connect Transit and the Bloomington-Normal community is a great example of this partnership," Davis said. "I'm proud to see Connect Transit receive this competitive grant, which allow them to upgrade their fleet and become more efficient. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for our smaller transit systems that are critical to the communities they serve."
“I am thrilled to announce this grant awarded to Connect Transit for the Bloomington-Normal communities with my friend and colleague Rodney Davis today,” said LaHood. “Innovative technologies like these will continue to help bring Bloomington-Normal’s transit system to the cutting edge of zero-emission public transportation. I look forward to seeing the direct impact this grant will have on the local community, and will continue working and supporting these kinds of initiatives which provide safe, affordable, reliable, and accessible service to the public.”
The Low or No Emission Competitive program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.
“This funding will help ensure that the region has access to safe, reliable, and efficient transportation and help Connect Transit continue its commitment of providing excellent service to a region with increasing ridership and a population of over 130,000,” said Senator Durbin. “I will keep working with Senator Duckworth to ensure communities across Illinois have access to federal funding that will upgrade its transportation infrastructure.”
“Modernizing our public transportation systems and energy infrastructure is key to strengthening our economy and our nation,” said Senator Duckworth. “These investments in electric bus systems and solar infrastructure will help create jobs and support a more sustainable public transit system in Central Illinois for decades to come. I look forward to continuing my work to improve our state’s transportation systems for all Illinoisans.”
Connect Transit Board Chairman Mike McCurdy stated, “As a long-time sustainable transportation advocate, I couldn’t be more pleased that Connect Transit is adding all electric, zero-emission buses to our fleet. They’ll run clean, powered by the sun. These buses will reduce Connect Transit’s greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 380 tons annually. And in addition to powering the buses, the solar power will supply up to 60% of Connect Transit’s electricity needs. These new buses are critical to move the 2.2 million people Connect Transit delivers to work, school, and other destinations every year.”
