Downstate transit agencies eligible for project grants

For Immediate Release – September 30, 2026

Downstate transit agencies eligible for project grants

Funding opportunity to grow, improve local transportation options

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that grant applications will be accepted through Oct. 30 from downstate transit providers for new capital projects. The call for applications will determine the distribution of up to $100 million for projects that expand and improve transit, increase transportation options and enhance quality of life in downstate communities.

Awards will be announced by the end of the year.

An informational webinar on the program will be held Oct. 1. The webinar will address specific questions and review the application submittal and evaluation process. Information on how to access the webinar and applications will be available at IDOT’s Transit webpage at https://idot.click/transit.

For more information, please contact DOT.CH.OIPITransitDocs@illinois.gov.

The awards will be made from IDOT’s Downstate Transit Improvement Fund. The awards will prioritize additional support for projects that were previously awarded funding under Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic and bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, which identified a total of $4.5 billion to invest in transit throughout the state. According to Argonne National Lab, each dollar invested in transit generates $13 in economic activity, highlighting the far-reaching impact of these investments.

Earlier this year, Illinois reached a major milestone by offering transit in all 102 counties in the state, furthering IDOT’s continued commitment under Gov. Pritzker to improve mobility in rural communities and ensure that all residents have access to transportation options that connect them to healthcare, jobs, education, shopping and other essential needs.

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