Planning Programs and Projects

The Regional Transit Coordination Plan is an ongoing multi-year program aimed at enhancing regional mobility by facilitating seamless travel on public transportation.

Recognizing that Information Coordination and Physical Coordination are complementary, the RTA initiated an effort to address both categories simultaneously for existing transfer locations. The information and physical coordination study included an assessment of current information practices targeted to transferring passengers and site visits to 75 priority transfer locations in order to determine necessary modifications in both categories. The focus was on content and specific placement of directional and service information, plus any physical site modifications necessary to improve connections. The results were presented to the RTA Board in February 2003.

The physical coordination component identified 17 interagency transfer locations where physical improvements would encourage travel by transit to regional activity centers. These priority transfer locations either have high rates of transfer activity or provide critical connections. Preliminary concept designs have been prepared for five representative locations.

The RTA convened a Developer Discussion Panel in Chicago's 45th Ward to gather guidance and advice from development experts. The objective was to attract development to vacant sites and encourage infill development. The Developer Discussion Panelist helped the Ward Alderman and the City determine goals and needs in order to best utilize vacant land along North Milwaukee Avenue near the Jefferson Park Transportation Center.

Building on previous work conducted by the Village this project created a transit-oriented development plan for an approximate ½ mile radius of the existing Metra station within the Village. The plan focused on improving pedestrian and bicycle safety and access, creating redevelopment opportunities for surrounding properties, and improving the look and signage in downtown. There was a detailed analysis of two areas including the Core Downtown Area and E. St. Charles TIF Area. Specific site recommendations were provided with associated financial analysis and façade ideas. The plan also made recommendation for accommodating parking in the long term and conducting a road diet on Main Street and St. Charles Road east of Main Street. Additionally way finding, signage and branding recommendations were included in the plan. The Village Board officially adopted the plan in March 2011.

The vehicles and operations funded by this program will be used for demand responsive paratransit service to provide door-to-door service for populations of the disabled, low income, and senior populations in the urban portions of Kendall County. The project is designed to be the first phase of a countywide general public transportation system.

The Regional Transit Coordination Plan is an ongoing multi-year program aimed at enhancing regional mobility by facilitating seamless travel on public transportation.

The focus of the service coordination component, presented to the RTA Board in May 2003, was to identify and explore options to better serve important regional travel markets requiring improved connections between components of the existing transit system. Fifteen major activity centers were identified based on total employment, social services, regional attractions, or some combination of these important trip-generating activities. Analysis confirmed that while downtown Chicago destinations are well served by transit from throughout the region, suburban and other outlying city destinations are not so well served by transit. For some targeted travel markets, the study identified minor schedule changes that would be cost-effective ways to improve service coordination. Other travel markets would require service additions, which are more costly and less likely to be cost-effective, at least on an incremental basis.

The vehicles and operations funded by this program will be used for demand responsive paratransit service to provide door-to-door service for populations of the disabled, low income, and senior populations in the urban portions of Kendall County. The project is designed to be the first phase of a countywide general public transportation system.

This project funded Phase I engineering necessary for future sidewalk network improvements that will provide access from residential neighborhoods south of St. Charles Road to Pace Bus Route 313. Engineering was completed for sidewalk gaps along Lee Boulevard, Morris Avenue, Rohde Avenue, Spencer Avenue, and Jerele Boulevard.