July 12, 2024. The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) is receiving $17.8 million in federal funding to replace a fleet of older buses with new diesel-hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
Funding for the buses, which are seen as a cleaner alternative, comes after U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation supporting SMTD’s application for grant funding earlier this year.
“This grant will help the Sangamon Mass Transit District modernize its bus fleet and lower fuel costs, as well as reduce harmful air pollution and help build a healthier future for our community,” she said in a news release. “I’m glad to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continuing to deliver for Central and Southern Illinois with yet another transformational investment.”
Sangamon County engineer Brian Davis said Sangamon Mass Transit District buses could begin to be stationed at the work-in-progress site for its new transfer facility by December and added that despite external challenges and supply shortages, the facility should be completed by 2025.
Last month, SMTD unveiled the first of eight new hybrid buses — the $7.2 million price tag being covered by a mix of state and federal funding according to the transit district. The new funding announced on July 9, SMTD Managing Director Steve Schoeffel said, will add 19 buses with 12 new hybrid buses and seven compressed natural gas buses replacing older models.