CTA Secures Funding for Articulated Buses
- By Kevin Zolkiewicz
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin announced this week that the CTA will receive $30 million in federal funding for the purchase of an undisclosed number of 60-foot hybrid articulated buses. Durbin’s office says that the buses will replace “a like amount” of 40-foot buses.
Based on cost estimates for hybrid articulated buses, the funding is expected to net approximately 30 buses. With CTA’s 40-foot Nova LFS buses nearing end-of-life, the purchase could allow CTA to begin retirement of that series.
Last year, CTA secured federal funding for the purchase of two electric buses. CTA is currently in the process of procuring those buses, with bids due on November 29, 2011.
Also announced was $2 million in funding for a study on the Lakefront Corridor to “determine the feasibility and appropriate level of investment for high capacity transit connections.” CTA will also receive $6 million in funding for a rehab of the Wilson Red Line station.