Illinois funds new electric buses for Chicago
Specifically, Pace has added 27 electric buses, and CTA will add 30 to its fleet. The grants cover up to 75 per cent of the eligible cost per electric bus. According to the press release, Pace provided 9 million dollars in funding and the Regional Transportation Authority (on behalf of CTA) another 10 million dollars.
The grants totalling 58 million dollars come from the state’s allocation from the Volkswagen (VW) Settlement. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has funded a total of 33 new electric transit buses for CTA from Volkswagen Settlement funding.
“It’s refreshing to see how something that began as a challenge for Volkswagen has been turned into a positive force for change, furthering both our region’s and the state’s pollution reduction goals. This transformation underscores the real impact of investing in clean transportation solutions,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.
“Illinoisans of all backgrounds depend on Pace and the CTA. Whether commuting to work, visiting friends and family, or running their everyday errands – the convenience and efficiency of these systems is absolutely essential to their everyday lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Pace has added 27 new, fully electric buses – along with 30 that will join the CTA fleet. This is an investment that will help us meet our climate goals, create opportunity for our people, and further connect our communities. Electric buses are vital to the future of transit – clean, reliable, and convenient – and I’m excited to be taking a step toward that future today.”
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