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 Sort ascending 10 Year Funding Needed 10 Year Unfunded Need
+ CTA Non-Revenue Vehicle Replacement Program System $3,225,000 $8,450,000 $70,740,422 $62,290,422

Replacement of vehicles needed for maintenance and operations support

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Equipment and Non-Revenue Vehicles Program Support Facilities & Equipment System $2,000,000 $6,000,000

Project Details

Description
CTA plans to invest funds annually to fund the phased replacement of aged equipment and vehicles used by CTA maintenance groups that include Bus, Rail, Power & Way, and Facilities.
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 $2,000,000 $4,000,000 $6,000,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $1,269,359 $2,000,000 $4,000,000 $7,269,359

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Non-Revenue Utility Vehicle Replacement Support Facilities & Equipment System $1,225,000 $2,450,000

Project Details

Description
Heavy-Duty Vehicles to support routine infrastructure maintenance, emergency repairs, and recovery operations.
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 $1,225,000 $1,225,000 $2,450,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $2,450,000 $1,225,000 $1,225,000 $4,900,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Non-Revenue Vehicles - Diesel Locomotives Support Facilities & Equipment Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Equipment and Non-Revenue Vehicles (Diesel Locomotives): Funding will provide for the replacement of CTA's diesel locomotive snow fighters. The self-propelled locomotives with special attachments to remove snow and ice during severe winter weather conditions are able to operate and clear system track, so that CTA can safely power up the system to restore/provide service. When traction power is down, this equipment will also be used to move rolling stock to secure 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 $3,333,095 $0 $0 $3,333,095

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$22,731,013
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
The structural design was approved by the CTA. The project is in full production mode and contractor continues to get the final assembly of the first locomotive. CTA and the contractor are coordinating a site visit for when the load testing will be performed by the contractor.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Life-Extending Bus Overhaul 430 (1000 series) Bus $6,737,430 $6,737,430 $9,372,083 $2,634,653

Overhauls to maintain sufficient fleet until the first order of replacement buses is received

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Life Extending Bus Overhaul - 430 Standard (1000 Series) Rolling Stock Bus $6,737,430 $6,737,430 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Life Extending Overhaul - Up to 430 Standard (1000 Series) - This project will overhaul the engine and other major sub-components to provide the minimal amount of work necessary to keep the fleet going. By end of FY2020 630 buses will have met their estimated 12 year life expectancy. This extension would extend the bus life by four years. The life extension for the 40 foot 1000-1629 New Flyer Bus is essential to keeping a majority of the CTA fleet running in optimal condition. The current fleet of 40 foot NF buses is over 1000 buses. This project is essential to meet availability requirements for CTA. These buses were purchased in 2006-2007 and this life extension is essential to maintaining peak availability requirements at all 7 bus garages.
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 $6,737,430 $0 $6,737,430
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $25,100,429 $6,737,430 $0 $31,837,859

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$1,893,610
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The CTA Team drafted technical specs and project scope are under review as of this reporting period. The team completed testing the pilot Haldex air dryers on two buses and the buses were put back in service. The Team continues to complete the project independent cost estimate and release the updated specifications to the Purchasing Department to start the bid review/release process.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Metra Station ADA Rehabilitations Rail $0 $4,545,000 $1,124,130,000 $1,119,585,000

Metra's plan to make every station accessible to all people, reguardless of their mobility needs.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Matteson Station Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $1,390,000

Project Details

Description
The project will rehabilitate the Matteson station and bring the station into ADA compliance. Improvements will include the replacement of all track-level station facilities with a new ADA-compliant station and improved Kiss & Ride facilities. The platform will be extended to accommodate 6-car trains along with a full-length canopy. The existing west entrance storefront, concrete platform stairs, headhouse, warming shelter, central and south windbreaks, light poles, and existing platform amenities will be demolished and reconstructed.
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 $1,390,000 $1,390,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $1,390,000 $1,390,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Riverdale Station Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $1,390,000

Project Details

Description
The rehabilitation of the 137th/Riverdale station facility will include the replacement of all track-level station facilities with a new ADA-compliant station and improved Kiss & Ride facilities. The platform will be extended to accommodate 6-car trains along with a full-length canopy. The north entrance will also be rebuilt along with the headhouse and gatehouse. Elevators will be added along with a new set of stairs at the south entrance.
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 $1,390,000 $1,390,000
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $1,390,000 $1,390,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ 115th St. (Kensington) Station Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $1,300,000

Project Details

Description
The project purpose/objective is the rehabilitation/replacement of the Historic Kensington station on Metra's Metra Electric line. The station is located in Chicago’s Pullman community and while ADA accessible, is ready for modernization. The station will stay open during project construction, which will include a multi-phase rehabilitation. The project will be split into three distinct phases with the scope of work to include but not be limited to constructing a new boarding platform, a platform length canopy, two warming shelters, a climate controlled headhouse with an elevator, renovation of the depot, new signage and wayfinding. Site improvements may include but are not limited to resurfacing the parking lots, reconstructing sidewalks, installing ADA curb cuts, and other improvements to make the entrance pathways ADA-compliant.
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 $1,300,000 $1,300,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $1,300,000 $1,300,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Kedzie Station Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $465,000

Project Details

Description
The project will consist of the rehabilitation of the entire Kedzie station. This includes, but is not limited to, the rehabilitation of the platforms, canopy, staircases, retaining wall, guardrail, and station amenities (signs, lighting, bench, visual displays). The station will also be made ADA accessible through the addition of a compliant ramp or elevator to access the platform. The platform will also receive tactical striping for ADA accessibility.
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 $465,000 $465,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $465,000 $465,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Program Development System $625,000 $3,125,000 $6,250,000 $3,125,000

Provide for Program Development

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Program Development - UWP Contingencies and Administration System $625,000 $3,125,000

Project Details

Description
Develop and refine CTA's capital programs for inclusion into five year regional Transportation Improvement Program. Provide support as required to finalize the current TIP. Analyze project proposals for potential inclusion in the Authority's Capital Program, presentations to the public, CTA Board and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
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 $500,000 $2,000,000 $2,500,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $125,000 $500,000 $625,000
Total $1,463,226 $625,000 $2,500,000 $4,588,226

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Replacement Bus Purchase 1000 Series - 430 Electric Buses Bus $2,600,000 $2,600,000 $459,358,312 $456,758,312

Replace 430 of the 1000 Series Buses, with electric buses, that have now been in service 15 yrs plus and are now due replacement.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Purchase up to 6 Electric Buses with Charging Systems Rolling Stock Bus $2,600,000 $2,600,000

Project Details

Description
Bus funding provides for a future order of up to six 40-foot battery-powered, zero-emission, all-electric, fully accessible, public transit buses with en-route charging capabilities. CTA will retire up to six 1000-Series New Flyer buses that are over 14 years old. Turnkey project to procure Electric buses and associated charging infrastructure.
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 $2,600,000 $0 $2,600,000
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $3,496,667 $2,600,000 $0 $6,096,667

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Purchase up to 70 Electric Buses and up to 9 Charging Stations Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Purchase up to 70 Electric Buses and up to nine Chargers - Bus funding provides for a future order of up to 70 40-foot battery-powered, zero-emission, all-electric, fully accessible, public transit buses with en-route charging capabilities. CTA will retire up to 70 1000-Series New Flyer buses that are over 14 years old. Turnkey project to procure Electric buses and associated charging infrastructure.
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
$71,991,905
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The charging stations were received and installed and reached substantial completion in January 2021. In Q4-2021, seventeen (17) production buses were completed and delivered to CTA. The installation of revenue fare collection systems, communication equipment, network systems were completed in Q2-2022. A total of twenty-three (23) buses were delivered. Nineteen (19) are in service and four are being used at the 74th Garage for operator training. In this reporting period, CTA has exercised an option for an additional twenty-two (22) buses. CTA’s Infrastructure department is working with Bus Engineering to finalize the budget breakdown and scope for the 103rd Garage.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Metra PTC - systemwide Rail $2,440,000 $2,440,000 $0 $0

Install federally-mandated rail operational safety system

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ PTC- Renewal (Mechanical) Electrical, Signal & Communications Rail $1,750,000 $1,750,000

Project Details

Description
This project will fund the second phase of Positive Train Control (PTC). Project funds will update onboard equipment and parts in locomotives and cab cars that communicate with the guideway PTC system.
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 $1,750,000 $0 $1,750,000
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $4,050,000 $1,750,000 $0 $5,800,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ PTC Renewal (Engineering) Electrical, Signal & Communications Rail $690,000 $690,000

Project Details

Description
This project will fund the second phase of Positive Train Control (PTC). Project funds will update back office equipment, components, hardware, software, and other equipment that is necessary to maintain safe and consistent operations of Metra’s interoperable PTC system. This project will fund the purchase, installation, and training of a modern, streamlined PTC system to replace the current PTC back office before the end of its useful life. This new system will have an advanced user interface that will provide operational self-checks and will enable safer operations
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 $690,000 $0 $690,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $7,000,000 $690,000 $0 $7,690,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ PTC Program Management Electrical, Signal & Communications Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
This project will be to facilitate a vendor who can provide Program Management of the entire PTC system and ongoing projects. These projects include, Next Generation Office, CTC over ITCM, ITCM support, PTC Data Distallation Tool, Wabtec Master Service Agreement, and PTC Hardware Renewal. The scope of this work will also include document control, TPCQMP compliance, and movement of all PTC documentation to ProjectWise. The scope also includes FTA, RTA and IDOT monthly PTC progress reporting.
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 $1,000,000 $0 $0 $1,000,000

Last Updated 06.22.2023

+ CTA Station Communication Infrastructure Rail $0 $0 $158,800,000 $158,800,000

These are all the life safety mission critical systems which all have to be upgraded at the same time, and are all interrelated. For example the rail station commmunications infrastructure upgrades are needed by PA system, the digital signage system, cameras system, telephone system, radio system etc.

+ CTA Red Purple Modernization Rail $0 $0 $5,956,152,265 $5,956,152,265

Advancement of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program, the largest line rebuild and capital improvement project in CTA history

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Red/Purple Modernization - Phase 1 Modernization Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
North Main Line - RPM The purpose of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program is to expand capacity to meet growing ridership demand; reduce travel times; improve access to job markets and destinations; better utilize existing transit infrastructure; bring the existing infrastructure to a state of good repair; and improve access to the system for patrons with disabilities. FY2021-2025 funds will continue RPM Phase One funding stream.Red Purple Modernization phase one project consists the following interrelated and concurrent projects, as defined in the environmental documents to be developed by the CTA:RED-PURPLE BYPASS PROJECT. This element would construct a fifth track bypass flyover immediately north of the CTA Belmont Station to separate northbound Brown Line trains that currently conflict with southbound Purple Line trains and both northbound and southbound Red Line trains. This project includes construction of a new fifth track bypass flyover and replacement or renovation of approximately 0.3 mile of associated mainline track.LAWRENCE TO BRYN MAWR MODERNIZATION PROJECT. This modernization project would replace 1.3 miles of the existing rail line from Leland Avenue on the south to approximately Ardmore Avenue on the north. This section of track includes four stations - Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr. The project would expand and modernize these four stations. The project would also provide ADA access to transit customers with disabilities in a two-mile stretch of the north Red Line that currently does not have accessible stations.CORRIDOR SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS. This project would improve the signal system and special trackwork generally between Belmont and Loyola stations. Improvements would occur within CTA's existing right-of-way. The scope of work includes planning, design, procurement, and installation of wayside equipment and special trackwork that are significantly past their useful lives. This project also includes improvements to existing special trackwork.CONTINUED INTERIM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. This project would improve track infrastructure conditions between Belmont Station and Linden Station in order to maintain service along existing rail lines. This work would take place within the CTA's existing right-of-way.
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 $344,847,735 $0 $0 $344,847,735

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$2,203,408,226
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
Precast span erection was completed for the Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization (LBMM) and the contractor continued installing pre-cast segments as well as their fabrication. The Argyle temporary station was put in service this reporting period. The Red-Purple Bypass continued with structural element installations, traction power installation, as well as installed the noise barriers, foot walks, and handrails. Punchlist items remain. Signal upgrades and installation continued along the project this reporting period. Communications switches in Clark and Kenmore Relay Houses were installed this reporting period. The contractor will continue excavation, caisson installation, and concrete pours for structural elements on the project side. Similarly, the contractor will work to install the steel for the elevator truss at the Bryn Mawr and Berwyn stations. Similarly, the contractor will continue to install signals and other electrical elements along the projec

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Metra 75th Street Corridor Rail $0 $0 $1,646,583,750 $1,646,583,750

Reconfigure track shared by Metra, Amtrak, and freight trains

+ Metra A-2 Interlocking Replacement Rail $0 $0 $826,875,000 $826,875,000

Separate tracks at busiest switching location on Metra system