ROCK ISLAND – With the support of State Senator Mike Halpin, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the Rock Island County Metro Mass Transit District (MetroLink) will receive $10.3 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“In order to allow the QC to grow, we need to continue to make the necessary infrastructure investments to our area,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I look forward to seeing continued investment to our area in 2023.” 

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants provides $113.8 million for Downstate transit providers as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of stations and maintenance facilities that improve service.

The Rock Island County Metro Mass Transit District will receive $10,350,000 to replace six buses with zero emission buses, expand the operations center and install electric car chargers.

The second round of downstate transit grants went to the Rock Island County Metro Mass Transit District for Centre Station renovations and on-street chargers at Centre Station, District Station, East Pointe and OMC.

“Thanks to Governor Pritzker, our state legislators, and the IDOT team, the most recent Rebuild Illinois grant award will allows us to further develop our battery electric bus fleet through the purchase of six (6) additional battery electric buses. Since 2018, our battery electric bus program has continued to expand, with 30% of our fleet currently consisting of battery electric bus vehicles. These types of investments reinforce our commitment to grow our community through an environmentally conscious and equitable public transportation network,” said Jennifer Hirsch, Manager of Administration at MetroLINK.

To find a full list of projects, visit IDOT’s website.