SPRINGFIELD– Kendall Area Transit will receive a $505,494 grant to improve its mass transit system, State Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) announced Monday.

Holmes and her Senate colleagues worked to prioritize mass transit systems during negotiations on Rebuild Illinois in the landmark, bipartisan statewide capital construction plan.

“In our growing area, public transit is becoming more and more vital for residents to travel in the district and to the city. Funding opportunities like these help us close the gaps and upgrade facilities and equipment,” Holmes said. These improvements are made possible by the multi-year state transportation plan, Rebuild Illinois.

Grant funds will be used for a bus surveillance system, two new paratransit buses, engineering and design for a new bus terminal, and a new digital radio system.

“These improvements will mean better access, security and communications for KAT and those they serve,” Holmes said. “This expansion will make it possible for more riders to get where they need to go, including work and school, as our economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.”