Durbin Announces Over $450,000 DOT Investment in Bloomington-Normal Transit
[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System has been awarded two grants totaling $465,600 through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT grants include funding to purchase radios and procure Intelligent Transportation System software, hardware and other equipment for fixed route bus service.
“Better communication can lead to cleaner, safer transportation that will improve the quality of life for all residents – even those that don’t rely on public transportation,” Durbin said. “Investing in this infrastructure today will contribute to the long-term economic growth of Bloomington-Normal and other areas in the future.”
“This is truly great news for our community! An Intelligent Transportation System will allow our local transit service to significantly enhance the appeal and convenience of using our local buses for daily transportation. This will, no doubt, lead to increased ridership, a benefit to the entire community,” said Mayor Koos.
The following projects will receive funding under today’s announcement:
- Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System: $376,000 in funding for the purchase of Intelligent Transportation Systems software, hardware and equipment. The Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System will purchase the software, hardware, and related equipment in order to be more efficient and cost effective with current resources, and to allow customers to track buses in real-time with GPS. This project was selected on a competitive basis through the 2011 State of Good Repair Program.
- Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System: $89,600 in funding for narrowband radios, hardware and equipment. The Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System will purchase communications equipment that complies with new FCC requirements. This project was selected on a competitive basis through the FY 2011 State of Good Repair Program.