Pace's Heritage Division in Plainfield, Illinois, welcomed U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood on July 1 to celebrate the Community Project Funding secured for the purchase of an electric bus for the agency's I-55 express bus service. The funding of $826,779 will be dedicated to acquiring a new electric coach bus that will cater to passengers traveling from Plainfield and southwest suburbs to downtown Chicago. Rep. Underwood highlighted the importance of this project in serving various groups like seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans while emphasizing the positive impacts on climate change, traffic reduction, transit system enhancement, and health risks associated with air pollution. Pace's commitment to achieving a zero-emission fleet by 2040 is further supported by this funding, with the agency already incorporating electric buses and charging stations and having plans for additional electrification. The significant role of Pace's congressional delegation in supporting the electrification efforts was acknowledged, with Pace aiming for a massive transition to charging facilities capable of accommodating numerous buses simultaneously. The Executive Director of Pace, Melinda Metzger, expressed gratitude for the grants that will contribute to improving transit services and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the six-county region, highlighting the success of initiatives like the I-55 bus-on-shoulder service and the agency's innovative history.