Champaign-Urbana Awarded Grant to Electrify Bus Fleet

Funding from the Low or No Emission Vehicle federal program will help the city replace its buses with new electric and other zero- or low-emission vehicles.

1 minute read

July 19, 2023, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Hydrogen-powered zero-emissions public bus

MTD is introducing two zero emission hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to its fleet. | Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District / MTD

According to an article by Daja Clayton for WAND, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District  will receive $6.6 million in federal funds to buy new zero- or low-emission buses for its public transit fleet.

“We have a unique approach here in Champaign-Urbana because we have solar cells that are providing the electricity for the creation of hydrogen to fuel the buses,” explained Senator Dick Durbin, who made the announcement in Urbana.

“The MTD grant is part of an almost $2-billion program announced by the U.S. Federal Transportation Agency to allow states and cities to buy American-made hybrid buses.” The Low/No program, as it’s known, has been criticized for setting aside funding specifically for low-emission vehicles such as clean diesel buses, rather than letting 100 percent of funds be used for electric and zero-emissions options. 

Monday, July 17, 2023 in WAND

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

The Chicago Avenue Bridge when it was open, a dark red bridge in front of downtown.

Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders

The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.

November 1 - Block Club Chicago

People walk to a bus in Queens

NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses

Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.

November 1 - Mass Transit

A rendering of the California high speed rail Fresno station. Two escalators leading into the station are visible.

California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer

The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.

November 1 - Railway News