Funding available for transit agencies to expand service for public school students

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the State Board of Education have opened a new $35 million dollar grant opportunity to help transit agencies outside the Chicago region develop programs that make it easier for public school <a href="https://jiuniversity.com/pu-sets-new-admissions-record-as-12247-students-enroll-in-1st-phase/” title=”PU sets new admissions record as 12,247 students enroll in 1st Phase”>students to use local transit

The initiative includes two programs created by legislation passed this year. The Downstate Reduced Fare Grant Program will provide $20 million dollars for transit agencies to establish or expand free or reduced‑fare options for students in elementary, middle and high schools, as well as career and technical education centers. The Downstate Cooperative Transportation Grant offers $15 million dollars to help agencies coordinate student transportation with schools and regional offices of education, covering planning, scheduling and eligible equipment.

Both grants will be administered in five‑year cycles and are intended to expand affordable transportation for school, extracurricular and other activities

Applications for the competitive grants are due October 15

Applications should be submitted online through IDOT’s transit grant management system at ildot.blackcattransit.com. Awards will be announced in early 2027

To explain the funding opportunity and how to apply, IDOT is hosting an informational webinar on Sept. 8 and 22, both at 3 p.m

Registration may be completed for the Sept. 8 session at https://idot.click/nofo-090826 and for Sept. 22 at https://idot.click/nofo-092226

Source: www.wsiu.org