CHICAGO – A community-based nonprofit organization, Search Inc., was awarded $144,000 to offer safe, reliable and accessible transportation options, thanks to strong support from State Senator Lakesia Collins.

“Creating more options for disabled folks in the community allows them to have more flexibility for when and where they choose to use transit,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With these investments, we are developing our public transportation network to give residents more options when they need to travel for health care or work, and I am proud to support this investment.”

Through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The program helps smaller transit agencies navigate the red tape of the public bidding process while ensuring their vehicles meet federal requirements and specifications. Search is set to receive two vehicles through the program, totaling $144,000, for better accessible transportation. Search serves more than 350 individuals and their families annually, from Lincoln Square in Chicago to Evanston, Skokie, Morton Grove and Mount Prospect.

A full list of awardees can be found here.