Planning Programs and Projects
This page allows users to search for projects from the RTA’s Planning Programs. Users can search for projects by name or keyword from the Search bar or the Filter pulldown menus.
Table results display summary information about each project. To view more details for a project, select the + icon to expand the view for additional information.
| Year | Project Title | Program | Project Type | Project Partner Sort descending | Budget | Funding Source(s) | Status | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| + | Metra Station Evaluation | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Metra | $65,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project included an examination of nine stations across the region in an effort to diagnosis the reasons for low ridership. The project will include an examination of service levels, current and forecasted ridership, service options, market area characteristics, and the potential for transit-oriented development. A cost benefit analysis of each station's ongoing operations was included to provide an overall set of recommendations for the future of each station. Current Activities
Work on this project began in the fall of 2020 and was completed in the fall of 2021 with the delivery of Station Summaries and Deep Dive Reports for all nine stations. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.19.2023 |
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| + | Inner and Outer Circumferential Rail Corridors Feasibility Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Metra | $188,721 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project determined the most viable markets for commuter rail service along the inner (IHB/BRC) and outer (EJE) circumferential rail corridors for the proposed Metra STAR line, a line that would connect suburb to suburb instead of travel in and out of downtown Chicago. The segments identified will be advanced in the planning process through more detailed analysis in the future.
Current Activities
This project was completed, and a final report published in June 2005. After completing an Alternatives Analysis for the STAR Line in 2012, Metra chose not to continue to pursue the project due to a variety of factors.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.08.2017 |
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| + | Metra Sunrise Express | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Metra | $858,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
The Sunrise Express is an early morning reverse commute train operating on the Metra UP North Line from Chicago to Waukegan. The service enables reverse commuters to meet 7AM work start times of north suburban employers. Other benefits include a viable suburb-to-suburb option for commuters living north of Chicago and an additional inbound train.
Funding History
2007
Local Federal Total
$250,000 $250,000 $500,000
2008
Local Federal Total
$179,000 $179,000 $358,000
Current Activities
Metra implemented the project April 2, 2007. JARC funding for this project was exhausted in October 2011. In its last year of funding the project averaged 8,121 trips per month.
Metra continues to provide the service with its own funds.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 09.17.2014 |
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| + | Metra Visual Information Systems (VIS) at Non-key ADA Metra Stations | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Capital | Metra | $375,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project will fund the installation of electronic visual sign systems at 11 non-key ADA Metra stations to facilitate greater mobility for the hearing impaired as well as the general population. The signs will provide real time information about Metra train service
Current Activities
Metra executed a grant for this project with the Federal Transit Administration on June 24, 2013. This grant complements an ICE grant also awarded for the project. Metra expects to put this project out to bid this quarter.
The stations where these signs will be added may include, but are not limited to:
METRA
LINE STATION
UPW Maywood Station
Melrose Park Station
Bellwood Station
Cumberland Station
UPN Ravinia Station
Winthrop Harbor Station
MWD Round Lake Station
Long Lake Station
BNSF Riverside Station
Hollywood Station
Brookfield Station
Hinsdale Station
West Hinsdale Station
Clarendon Hills Station
MED McCormick Place Station
51st Street / 53rd Street / Hyde Park Station RID:
95th Street / Longwood Station
Beverly Branch 115th Street / Morgan Park Station
Beverly Branch 119th Street - Beverly Branch
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.13.2019 |
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| + | - | Metra ADA Signage | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Capital | Metra | $2,500,000 |
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Programmed | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project will install 250 visual information systems (VIS) sign displays at 125 of Metra's 242 stations. The VIS signs are Metra's next generation of video monitor boards that display real-time train tracking information, arrival times, and travel alerts. VIS signs provide visual information that is a requirement to be compliant with ADA law as it pertains to transit stations and are particularly beneficial for people with hearing impairments and seniors with disabilities. Current Activities
This project was approved by the RTA Board at the September 2023 meeting. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 01.17.2024 |
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| + | Lake County Inter/Intra County Paratransit Transportation Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Lake County | $96,611 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project will review and assess alternative organizational and funding structures that can support transportation services for the transportation disadvantaged; the elderly, the low income and the disabled of Lake County.
Current Activities
The County is currently working with planning partners to investigate paratransit opportunities. They recently submitted a CMAQ application to explore bike and pedestrian connections in the SE portion of the County. Additionally, the County recently applied for CMAQ funds (FY2012-2016) to coordinate existing Pace-supported Dial-a-Ride services and demand-response services provided by other human service agencies in the study area. This project also aims to achieve one of the identified goals of the Lake County Strategic Plan, which seeks to support coordination and provide technical assistance to townships in the County with implementing recommendations identified in this study.
In November 2011, the RTA Board approved funding through the Job Access Reverse Commute/New Freedom (JARC/NF) program for continued service providing dial-a-ride transportation in four townships within Lake County to persons with disabilities, the elderly and low-income individuals. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.28.2013 |
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| + | Lake County 2020 Transportation Plan: Transit Component | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Lake County | $0 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project evaluated existing transportation conditions in Lake County, developed travel demand forecasts and developed a program of improvement scenarios for transit and highways. The plan builds upon the Lake County Transportation Improvement Project, a joint effort by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA), that produced alternatives consisting of major road and transit improvements.
Current Activities
The plan was completed in June 2002. The Lake County Board adopted the Plan in 2002 and the RTA has been monitoring progress on implementation activities as they occur.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.28.2013 |
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| + | - | Ride Lake County Central Dial-a-Ride '13-14 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Lake County | $327,950 |
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Completed | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
Lake County combined three separate dial-a-ride services, operating in the Central Lake/Shields township area, into one service. The project initially calls for Shields Township to operate separately while the Fremont and Central Lake partners (Fremont Township, Libertyville Township, Villages of Libertyville and Mundelein) are combined. The service provides expanded dial-a-ride transportation in Lake County to seniors and individuals with disabilities residing in Central Lake County. Five municipalities and Lake County sponsor the project. Current Activities
The operating service provided 377 trips in July 2019.. This project is complete. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 04.21.2021 |
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| + | - | Ride Lake County '16- '17 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Lake County | $882,126 |
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In Progress | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
In May 2022, Lake County combined and expanded the Central and West projects into a countywide service. Ride Lake County is a borderless countywide paratransit service providing seniors (age 60 and above) and individuals with disabilities curb-to-curb transportation. The geographic service includes Lake County along with the entirety of municipalities whose city limits extend beyond the County border into Cook and McHenry County. With no limitations on the purpose of the trip the service operates Sunday through Saturday from 6:00am to 6:00pm (excluding specific holidays). Current Activities
The Ride Lake County operating service provided 3,860 trips in September 2023. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.24.2023 |
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| + | - | Ride Lake County Central Dial-a-Ride '16-17 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Lake County | $239,626 |
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Programmed | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
The service provides expanded dial-a-ride transportation in Lake County to persons with disabilities and older adults residing in central Lake County. Five municipalities and Lake County sponsor the project. Current Activities
In May 2022, Lake County combined and expanded the Central and West projects into a countywide service. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.28.2023 |
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