Joliet City Council Could Be Purchasing an Electric Tram for Downtown

The Joliet City Council is expected to vote on Tuesday, October 1st to purchase an electric bus. The New Electric Tram from MotoElectric will cost $95,000. The purpose of the tram is to help visitors and citizens get through downtown Joliet during construction and beyond. The vehicle will also be utilized during special events such as the IHSA Baseball Tournament, City Historical Tours, etc. The bus could potentially be available for use by entities such as the Joliet Area Historical Museum and Heritage Corridor Destinations.

Federal grant money will be utilized to purchase the zero-emissions vehicle.

In addition, as this expenditure was not in the original 2024 City of Joliet Annual Budget, a Budget Amendment Ordinance in the amount of $95,000.00 is attached for approval. This ordinance transfers capital budget funds from the Downtown Levee Project that will not be expended in 2024, to fund this purchase. These funds will be reimbursed to the Levee Project upon the receipt of grant funds.

The City Council first has to approve an amendment to the 2024 Annual Budget and then the purchase and Upfit of one electric tram bus not to exceed $95,000.