Pace and the Chicago Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) invited Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to Pace’s new Markham Campus Bus Acceptance Facility. The event was a celebration for $27 million being awarded to Pace for the purchase of electric buses and $31.25 million to the RTA for the Chicago Transit Authority.

Driving a Cleaner Illinois

The funding was awarded through “Driving a Cleaner Illinois,” a grant opportunity from Volkswagen for electric buses. This is the largest grant opportunity that the IEPA has announced to date, beating out the previous high of $14 million.

Pace will provide a $9 million match, and the RTA will provide a $10.42 million match.

With the funding, Pace will be able to purchase 27 battery-electric buses and the Chicago Transit Authority will be able to purchase 30 electric transit buses to replace the oldest diesel buses in their fleets.

“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.”

Speakers at the event included Governor JB Pritzker, State Senator Napoleon Harris, Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa, IEPA Acting Director James Jennings, RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard, Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski, and Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.

Other notable attendees include State Representative Bob Rita, State Representative Matt Hanson, IDOT Acting Secretary Gia Biagi, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha E McCaskill, University Park Mayro Joseph Roudez III, and representatives from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s Office, U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s office, State Senator Kyle Hasting’s office, the Village of Robbins, South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, Chicago Southland Economic Development Council, and South Suburban College.

With a zero-emission fleet the region’s public transportation system is aiming to significantly reduce harmful pollutants, contributing to healthier communities and a greener future.

“Transit is the strongest tool we have in the fight against climate change, and we are grateful for the partnership of the IEPA in leading that fight,” said RTA Board Chair Kirk Dillard. “This investment will improve service and provide cleaner air for Pace and CTA riders in the short term and in the long-term, help us lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Awarding the Funding

Driving a Cleaner Illinois is the IEPA’s grant program developed to distribute funding for various types of mobile source electrification projects. The program implements funding from a variety of sources, such as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act Program.

Grant awards from IEPA to RTA and Pace will be incorporated into the RTA 5-year Regional Capital Program later this year and future service board bus purchasing plans will incorporate the grants to receive new electric buses in the future.

The IEPA has been designated as the lead agency to administer funds allocated to Illinois from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. The initial allocation of funds is approximately $108 million and will be used to fund mobile source diesel emission reduction projects.

The funds can also be used for projects that reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides in Illinois.

“Emissions from diesel powered transit buses negatively impact air quality in the communities they serve and the region as a whole,” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings. “Through the VW settlement funding and additional cost-sharing commitments from both Pace and RTA/CTA, these projects represent a $77 million investment in clean transportation that will benefit communities throughout the Chicago area.”