On Thursday, Feb. 15, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that over 500 paratransit vehicles have been awarded to 113 transit providers through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program.
The vehicles, valued at $57.1 million, will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.
"Transit is an essential service that allows our urban, suburban and rural communities to survive and thrive, providing transportation to people who might not have any other option," said Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "More than ever, IDOT under Gov. Pritzker is getting communities the resources they need. These vehicles are going to benefit people immediately and far into the future."
The program has helped smaller transit agencies for over 20 years.
The awards this time were made on a competitive basis, with 50 public transportation providers (371 vehicles) and 63 nonprofit (137 vehicles) receiving 508 vehicles in total. The vehicles were purchased with $54 million in federal funds and $3.1 million in state funds. A full list of providers can be viewed here.
The Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program awards are in addition to investments being made through Gov. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois, the largest capital program in state history at $44.8 billion and the only one that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, bike and pedestrian accommodations, waterways, rail, and transit.
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Source: IDOT
