Regional Capital Program

Capital programming is a core function of the RTA. RTA and the Service Boards have worked to articulate as well as advance a capital strategy for transit projects in the Chicagoland region.

Priority Projects have been identified by the Service Boards. These priority projects are updated on an annual basis. This page shows details about the funding for each priority project.

The 2024-2028 5-Year Regional Capital Program includes over 250 projects that are advancing many of these Priority Projects. The capital projects are shown in the table below, organized by Priority Project and can also be seen in a mapped form on the RTA Capital Projects Dashboard. Each project listing shows the amount of funding programmed in the 2024-2028 Regional Capital Program. Beginning with the 2024-2028 Capital Program, projects are evaluated based on 15 measures which were identified in the new Regional Transit Strategic Plan, Transit is the Answer. All projects in the 2024-2028 program show the detailed evaluations in this site.

The metrics include evaluations of Equity and Accessibility which are used in the performance-based allocation process. The region has committed to dedicating 20% of programmed funds to projects that fulfill the regional goals of improving equity and accessibility for 2025 and beyond as a part of the new performance-based capital allocation process

The Service Boards have met and exceeded the 20% goal for the 2025-2028 budget years.

Detailed analysis of the capital evaluation metrics is included in the Regional Transit Operating Budget and Capital Program

Read more about RTA’s capital programming activities here.

Project Management Oversite (PMO) data is provided for projects that are being actively monitored by the PMO group. Data included current activities, start and end date and budget and schedule status. The following page has a full list of active PMO projects.

Agency Priority Project Mode 2024 Funding Sort descending 2024-2028 Funding 10 Year Funding Needed 10 Year Unfunded Need
+ Pace Community Vehicles - Replacement Bus $0 $0 $17,955,000 $17,955,000

Replacement of buses reaching useful life

+ Pace Farebox System Bus $0 $0 $0 $0

Replace fareboxes that are over 20-years old

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Farebox System Replacement Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Farebox System Replacement - Over 700 fareboxes on Pace fixed route buses will be replaced, with prior PAYGO funding of $7.5M from 2020 included.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $3,079,344 $0 $0 $3,079,344

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$7,500,000
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
All of the fareboxes were installed on the garages and the project is considered substantially complete. Final invoices remain. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Pace Fixed Route Buses - Electric Bus $0 $78,009,128 $487,500,000 $409,490,872

Replacement of buses reaching useful life with electric buses

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Fixed Route Electric Buses Rolling Stock Bus $0 $78,009,128 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Replace 52 diesel buses with electric buses including any associated equipment (cameras, destination signs, etc.) and services (Buy America audit and inspections).
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $72,614,500 $72,614,500
State $0 $0 $5,394,628 $5,394,628
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $26,192,311 $0 $78,009,128 $104,201,439

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$28,810,673
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The contract was executed, and the vendor provided Pace with an updated production schedule due to previous supply chain issues and long lead time items. Deliveries of the buses were delayed and now expected to begin in Q1-2024. Pace executed a change order to purchase an additional two buses, bringing the total to 22 electric buses. Delivery of charging equipment began this quarter.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Pace Fixed Route Buses - Expansion Bus $0 $0 $83,889,000 $83,889,000

Buses for new services

+ Pace Fixed Route Buses - Replacement Bus $0 $0 $36,400,000 $36,400,000

Replacement of buses reaching useful life (CNG and OTR Coach)

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Purchase 40' Diesel Buses Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Replacement diesel buses (40') - Pace plans to replace 78 diesel buses including any associated equipment (cameras, destination signs, etc.) and services (Buy America audit and inspections).
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $0 $0

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$41,786,531
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Pace placed an order for the delivery of a total of 85 buses. To date, all 85 buses have been received and are in service. The buses are expected to service the routes currently serviced by West Division. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Fixed Route CNG Buses Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Replacement CNG buses - Pace plans to replace 115 diesel buses with 40' Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses including any associated equipment (cameras, destination signs, etc.) and services (Buy America audit and inspections) for the future Northwest Division garage in Wheeling, currently being designed as a CNG fueling facility.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $28,050,000 $0 $0 $28,050,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Purchase 30' Diesel Buses Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
This project is a new contract awarded in September 2019 for a new five?yearindefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for 30’ low floor diesel buses. Theminimum quantity to be purchased under this contract is 67 buses and the totalnumber of buses procured will not exceed the maximum amount of 164.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $0 $0

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$80,261,908
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
A total of 67 buses have been ordered to date. The first order consisted of 23 buses, all of which are in service. These were delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis. The second order consisted of 44 buses. All of the buses under the second order were received, with the final bus delivered in February 2023. The buses service the areas currently serviced by Fox Valley and Batavia. Pace will not pursue purchasing anymore buses under this contract. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Purchase 40' Low-Floor CNG Buses Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Pace will purchase 40FT CNG Buses.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $0 $0

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$75,896,625
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Pace awarded a new contract for the purchase of additional vehicles in March 2022. The first order was a quantity of 47 CNG buses. The production of these vehicles has been put on hold during this reporting period. A portion of these vehicles will be utilized at the Northwest Wheeling Garage, which is an ongoing project. As Pace establishes a construction schedule for the Wheeling Garage, a production scheduled will be developed for the order of 47 buses.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Pace Improve Passenger Facilities - Park-n-Ride Lots Bus $0 $0 $6,250,000 $6,250,000

Updates and repairs to Park-n-Ride lots

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ I-55 Park-n-Rides Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
I-55 Park-n-Rides: A/E design and expansion of existing (Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Romeoville) and/or construction of new park-n-ride facility.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $6,750,000 $0 $0 $6,750,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Bolingbrook Park-n-Ride Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
This project will provide for improvements at the Bolingbrook Park-n-Ride
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $1,200,000 $0 $0 $1,200,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Pace Improve Passenger Facilities - Transportation Centers Bus $0 $0 $67,150,000 $67,150,000

Improvements to Transportation and Transfer Facilities

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Improve Passenger Facilities Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Improve Passenger Facilities - Fabrication of a new Ventra machine for the O'Hare multimodal facility in 2021. Future renovations are being evaluated for Burr Ridge & Hillside Park-n-Rides, Chicago Heights Transfer Center, Riverdale Bus Turnaround, and Gurnee Mills Transportation Center.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $120,000 $0 $0 $120,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Joliet Gateway Center - Bus Stop Improvements Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The City of Joliet is redeveloping the existing publicly owned Joliet Union Depot and nearby publicproperties as a Multi-Modal Transportation Center to be owned by the City. As part of this redevelopmentthe City of Joliet has partnered with Pace to construct a new Bus Station and turn-around for public andinter-city transit which will include parking improvements and the construction of new vehicular andpedestrian access and circulation system. The new Bus Station is south of New Street, north of MarionStreet and west of the BNSF/Union Pacific Railroad. The bus station will have 13 berths, with Pacehaving exclusive use of 11 berths, passenger loading islands with canopies and shelters, signage andlandscaping. There will also be a widening of the St. Louis Street, Pace bus operator and public toilets ata location immediately northeast of the existing Pace Heritage Division garage, and ADA accessiblesidewalks.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $0 $0

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$9,509,500
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The City of Joliet and Pace entered into an Intergovernmental Grant Agreement for this project. The overall Joliet Gateway Terminal project is being managed by the City of Joliet. The City of Joliet prepared 100% design and bid the larger Intermodal Transportation Project, of which the Bus Turnaround Component is a part of. A construction contract was awarded, notice to proceed was issued in February, and construction began in March. Substantial completion and beneficial occupancy for the depot building was achieved in December 2021, after a walk?through inspection of depot building. The Scott Street pedestrian tunnel was completed in April 2022. Punch list items on building, passenger platforms and site landscaping were completed in June 2022.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Harvey Transportation Center - Pace Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Pace is partnering with Metra, the City of Harvey, and IDOT with the intent to move the transportation center and combine it with the Metra station.The elements of the construction may include pavement, lighting, platforms, shelters, restrooms, structures and systems and may have a taxi release area to create a multimodal facility.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $30,850,000 $0 $0 $30,850,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Pace IBS Replacement & Onboard Digital Screens Bus $0 $0 $32,150,000 $32,150,000

Equipment for bus tracking, communications, and data

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Intelligent Bus System (IBS) Electrical, Signal & Communications Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Intelligent Bus System - Project includes replacement Automatic Passenger Counter equipment (450), routers (600), Apollo cameras (650), IBS servers (8) & software, Storage Area Networks (2), dispatch radios (22), mobile radios (70), Integrated Vehicle Logic Unit Mobile Data Terminals (800), Tate data radios (800), Motorola voice radios (800), and data tower Radio Network Controller equipment (11).
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $2,250,000 $0 $0 $2,250,000

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$2,250,000
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Pace began activity of this project during this reporting period. This will be for automatic passenger counters on fixed route buses. Activities have just started and expected to ramp up in Q1-2024.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Pace Paratransit Vehicles - Expansion Bus $0 $0 $13,000,000 $13,000,000

New Dial-a-Ride and ADA vehicles for aging population

+ Pace Pedestrian Infrastructure/Shelters/Signs Bus $0 $0 $30,500,000 $30,500,000

Shelters, pedestrian access, and completion of conversion to posted stops

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ 2021 - Bus Stop Shelters, Benches, Pads & Signs Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Bus Stop Shelters - Engineering drawings, manufacture, and installation of bus stop shelters, concrete pads, and benches, including a heated bus shelter at the Waukegan Metra station.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $0 $0

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$1,330,000
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Pace issued bids for construction of the pads and shelter installations and was awarded in this reporting period. Installation continues with this project where the previously ordered 10-15 shelters were received. The vendor will continue activities as assigned.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ 2021 - Bus Tracker Signs Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Bus Tracker Signs - Production of new electric signs and associated installation costs to provide real-time bus information to riders. In 2021, ten will be replacements for Pulse Milwaukee Line vertical markers, while an additional ten will be for new locations.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $0 $0

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$600,000
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Activities continued related to the real time signs installed at various transit centers along the Pulse Milwaukee Line with various details on the specifics of screen size. Concurrently, real time bus information signage and electrical connections continued for various project elements. Permitting, installation, and invoicing continued as well.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ 2020 - Bus Stop Shelters, Benches, Pads & Signs Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Engineering drawings, manufacture, and installation of bus stop shelters, concrete pads, and benches, including a heated bus shelter at the Waukegan Metra station.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $0 $0

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$1,550,000
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Pace issued bids for construction of the pads and shelter installations and was awarded in this reporting period. Installation continues with this project where the previously ordered 10-15 shelters were received. The vendor will continue activities as assigned.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ 2020 - Bus Tracker Signs Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Production of new electric signs and associated installation costs to provide real-time bus information to riders. In 2021, ten will be replacements for Pulse Milwaukee Line vertical markers, while an additional ten will be for new locations.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $0 $0

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$750,000
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Activity for this project continued in this reporting period with real time bus information signage and electrical connections installed. Additional signs will be installed using other PAYGO funding for additional signs. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ 2022 - Bus Stop Shelters, Benches, Pads & Signs Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Bus Stop Shelters - Engineering drawings, manufacture, and installation of bus stop shelters, concrete pads, and benches, including a heated bus shelter at the Waukegan Metra station.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $1,125,000 $0 $0 $1,125,000

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$425,000
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Activities continued related to the real time signs installed at various transit centers along the Pulse Milwaukee Line with various details on the specifics of screen size. Concurrently, real time bus information signage and electrical connections continued for various project elements. Permitting, installation, and invoicing continued as well.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ 2022 - Bus Tracker Signs Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Bus Tracker Signs - Production of new electric signs and associated installation costs to provide real-time bus information to riders. In 2021, ten will be replacements for Pulse Milwaukee Line vertical markers, while an additional ten will be for new locations.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2024 Funding 2025-2028 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $425,000 $0 $0 $425,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022