Transit Downstate Transit Improvement Fund Program
🏛 Illinois Department of Transportation
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Oct 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for participants of the Illinois Downstate Public Transportation Fund seeking capital project funding. Eligible organizations operate public transportation systems in downstate Illinois service areas. Projects must support public transportation infrastructure, equipment, or services within participants' service areas.
Applicants must already participate in the Downstate Public Transportation Fund program. Awards are competitive and based on project merit. Reimbursement follows Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) approval.
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Program description
This program provides state funding to participants of the Downstate Public Transportation Fund for competitive capital grants for projects, purchases or purposes required for the provision of public transportation in the eligible participants’ service areas. Provide additional state capital assistance to Downstate Public Transportation Fund participants for eligible public transportation projects in participants’ service areas. Reimbursements allowable following IDOT concurrence approval. This funding may only be awarded to participants of the Downstate Public Transportation Fund. Beneficiaries: N/A Administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 494-80-1284).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Downstate Public Transportation Fund participation verification
- Project description and scope
- Detailed budget and cost breakdown
- Service area map or documentation
- IDOT concurrence letter or pre-approval
Program contact
- 👤 Benito Perez
- 📧 Benito.Perez@Illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2015 | $89,987,250 | |
| 2016 | $89,983,714 | |
| 2017 | $108,437,461 | |
| 2018 | $66,123,505 | |
| 2020 | $25,547,716 | |
| 2027 | $100,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Only current participants of the Illinois Downstate Public Transportation Fund. Organizations must operate public transportation systems in downstate Illinois.
What types of projects are funded?
Capital projects, equipment purchases, and infrastructure improvements for public transportation. Projects must serve the applicant's designated service area.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This program does not require matching funds or cost-sharing from applicants.
How competitive is this funding?
Awards are highly competitive. IDOT reviews all eligible projects. Selection depends on project scope and transportation need.
What is the award range?
Individual award amounts are not specified. Total program funding is $100 million for all downstate participants.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your organization is an active Downstate Public Transportation Fund participant before investing application effort.
- Align projects with IDOT's public transportation priorities and your service area's documented needs.
- Request IDOT concurrence early to understand which project elements will be reimbursable.
- Build strong justification for how capital improvements serve your specific service area.
- Review prior year awards (if available) to understand project scale and scope preferences.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Missing prerequisite: applicant is not a Downstate Public Transportation Fund participant. Proposing projects outside service area or unrelated to public transportation. Failing to get IDOT pre-approval before major project commitments.
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