June 26, 2023

Duckworth, Durbin Announce $45 Million to Help Ensure Chicagoland’s Public Transit Works for Everyone

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the Chicagoland region will receive $45 million in U.S. Department of Transportation funds to make public transportation systems more efficient, ADA accessible and environmentally friendly. Today’s investment includes $25 million for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to help install electric bus charging equipment at the 95th Street Terminal, as well as infrastructure to support an electric bike station. Additionally, Pace Suburban Bus will receive $20 million toward its Pace Pulse Halsted Line to help implement bus rapid transit along an approximate 9-mile corridor, serving four Chicago south side neighborhoods and three south suburban communities. The project will also create enhanced pedestrian ADA access and connect several bus routes and commuter rail.

“Investing in clean energy transportation systems is a critical part of strengthening our economy and improving quality of life for working families,” said Duckworth. “Illinoisans can get to where they need safely and efficiently and jobs are created, all while protecting our environment. I’ll keep working to ensure the Chicagoland area and communities all across our state receive the federal support they deserve to create more jobs while improving transportation options for working Illinoisans.”

“Our communities flourish when reliable and efficient transportation networks connect people to opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and foster stronger connections among neighbors,” said Durbin. “Investing in Illinois’ infrastructure is an investment in the prosperity and well-being of our great state, creating a brighter future for all who call it home.”

“I’m grateful for the support of Senators Duckworth and Durbin, along with all the members of the Illinois Congressional delegation who supported this effort and helped secure this funding, which allows the CTA to further expand electric bus service to neighborhoods disproportionately affected by air pollution,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. “The RAISE grant reinforces the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equity through investment in public transit.”

“We are honored to be awarded this funding which will help us construct the Pulse Halsted Line, and we thank the USDOT and our congressional delegation for their support,” said Pace’s Executive Director Melinda J. Metzger. “The implementation of this forthcoming Pulse rapid transit line will provide faster and more frequent bus service in underserved communities, utilizing the latest technology, for south suburban commuters along Halsted Street, which is the most heavily travelled corridor in our system. This project will provide enhanced transit connections with our sister agencies, CTA and Metra, creating additional transit options for our riders.”

Duckworth, who is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, provided letters of support for both these projects. As CTA’s 95th Street Terminal continues to undergo improvements, Illinoisans who depend on the service can expect new electric bus and bike infrastructure at the terminal, including charging stations for buses on various routes, allowing for more transportation options that are also better for the environment. The Pace Halsted Pulse line bus rapid transit project will stretch from Pace Harvey Transportation Center on 154th street in Harvey to the CTA 95th/Dan Ryan station where Illinoisans can connect to the Red Line. South suburban communities of Harvey, Phoenix and Calumet Park and the Chicago neighborhoods of West Pullman, Morgan Park, Roseland and Washington Heights will directly benefit from this investment. With these projects, Chicagoland can expect improved connections to other transit services but also new buses, improved stations, more frequent service and traffic signal enhancements.