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 2024-2028 Funding 10 Year Funding Needed 10 Year Unfunded Need
+ Pace Bus on Shoulder (BoS) Infrastructure Bus $0 $0 $17,025,000 $17,025,000

Passenger facilities for Bus on Shoulder service

+ Pace Charging Infrastructure Bus $0 $0 $36,000,000 $36,000,000

Charging infrastructure at garages to charge electric buses, including power supply lines, charging station equipment, and backup generators .

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Charging Infrastructure Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Maintenance of existing building structures, systems, asphalt/concrete, etc. Charging infrastructure at North, North Shore, and Southwest Divisions.
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 $5,500,000 $0 $0 $5,500,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ North Division Garage Improvements Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
These funds will be used to prepare the North Garage for Electirc 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 $10,181,017 $0 $0 $10,181,017

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Pace Community Vehicles - Expansion Bus $0 $0 $3,000,000 $3,000,000

New Community and Call-n-Ride vehicles

+ Pace Community Vehicles - Replacement Bus $0 $0 $17,955,000 $17,955,000

Replacement of buses reaching useful life

+ Pace Construct New Support Facilities Bus $0 $66,827,687 $0 $0

Add needed capacity for bus maintenance and storage

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ New I-55 Garage - Plainfield Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Plainfield Garage - Completion of construction of a new 189,000 square foot bus storage and maintenance facility in Plainfield, housing up to 130 buses with 12 maintenance bays and administrative offices. Pace has executed an I.G.A. with Northern Builders and the village of Plainfield to construct the project.
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

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$55,385,593
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
Construction of the facility has been completed in September 2022. Pace received the occupancy permit and the facility operations as well as bus service started in October 2022. Pace added an additional phase to the project to include an electric bus charger and electric car chargers, as well as procurement of various furniture and equipment for the facility and offices. This last phase of the project has reached substantial completion in April 2023. This project is currently in close out.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ New Northwest Garage - Wheeling Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Northwest Wheeling Garage - Completion of the renovation of a 430,000 square feet bus storage and maintenance facility in Wheeling that will replace Pace's Northwest Division garage in Des Plaines. This CNG fueling facility will house approximately 133 buses with 17 maintenance bays and administrative offices.
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
$81,129,563
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
Pace has entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Village of Wheeling. The improvements to Old Willow Road have been completed. The initial design has been finalized. The project is in the process of being re-scoped to add the electrification component. The design will be updated once Pace’s electrification study is completed to include the additional scope of work.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ River Division Electrification/Expansion Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $66,827,687 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
This project is for architectural and engineering services that will provide pre-design services, geotechnical engineering, land surveys, traffic studies, existing facilities testing and evaluation and feasibility studies. It will also include design and construction administration, inspections and project oversight. Pace intends to expand and improve its existing River Division bus garage onto newly acquired property south of the existing garage. It will be designed to accommodate storage, servicing,maintenance, and associated program areas for an additional 75 buses, 26 paratransit and 6 nonrevenue vehicles in addition to other improvements to modernize the existing facility. Once the A/E design is completed, construction will follow.
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 $66,827,687 $66,827,687
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $66,827,687 $66,827,687

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$36,110,000
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
Pace has entered into a contract for Architectural and Engineering services for pre-design and design services. The contractor completed the pre-design activities, and final pre-design report was submitted to Pace. The adjacent property acquisition has been completed. Pace is undertaking an electrification study that will inform the design changes needed to make this facility compatible with an electric bus fleet. The design activities are currently on hold pending the recommendations from this study. Pace will need to revise the initial 30% design to incorporate future electrification components before activities resume with the designer.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ South Campus Project - Markham Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
This project will provide for construction, project management oversight, project administration, and any associated equipment and services for the Pace South Campus project. New facilities will be built on a 22-acre site that is situated next door to Pace’s South Division (2107 W. 163rd Place) Garage in Markham, Illinois, which is already owned by Pace. The purpose of this project is to consolidate certain operational functions currently operating at each garage into one location.
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
$36,916,905
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
The Notice to Proceed for construction has been issued in January 2022. Construction activities are in progress. ComEd replaced the transformer and provided a supply to the Acceptance Facility. The delayed office building AC switchgear was delivered early and the contractor and Pace are working on a timeframe for setting and installing it.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Critical Needs at CTA Facilities System $0 $10,000,000 $118,533,935 $108,533,935

Roof and other upgrades to maintenance facilities

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Facilities Critical Needs Support Facilities & Equipment System $0 $10,000,000

Project Details

Description
Address the most immediate critical needs at CTA facilities systemwide to enable their safe and reliable operation.
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 $10,000,000 $10,000,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $10,578,000 $0 $10,000,000 $20,578,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Facilities Critical Needs - Forest Glen Building Demolition Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The purpose of this project is to eliminate building maintenance costs and security liabilities to CTA associated with the vacant buildings at the Forest Glen Bus Garage (located at 5353 W. Armstrong Avenue and 5601 N. Elston Avenue), as well as to provide additional capacity for bus parking at the Forest Glen Bus Garage. The project scope includes demolition of the buildings at 5353 W. Armstrong Avenue, 5601 N. Elston Avenue, and the existing salt shed (all currently owned by the CTA).
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
$7,366,852
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
Both of the vacant buildings have been demolished and the debris has been removed from the site. Fencing has been installed around the vacant lot. This project was significantly delayed due to the extensive environmental abatement process that was not initially anticipated. Final invoicing related to this process is outstanding. This is the final report on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Facilities Critical Needs - Kedzie Bus Garage Façade Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The project will retain a DoR firm to complete a comprehensive assessment of the structure’s exterior envelope to develop remediation and/or replacement plans for concerns regarding the exterior brick veneer delaminating from the backing block. The work will include detailing for caulking, flashing, or other treatments to prevent future similar issues from occurring due to water infiltration. Construction will repair portions of the brick that have fallen from the structure and other repairs to prevent recurrence of the failure.
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 $1,875,813 $0 $0 $1,875,813

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$6,596,514
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The design for the project has been completed. Notice to Proceed for construction was issued in February 2023. The general contractor is working on submittals and mobilizing for field work.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ 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
+ 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' 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

+ 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