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.

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This search filters based on details within the Planning Project. The search box below allows users to search by Planning Project name.

Year Project Title Program Project Type Project Partner Budget Funding Source(s) Status Sort descending
+ Concrete Waiting Areas at Bus Stops Section 5310 / JARC / NF Capital Pace Suburban Bus $600,000
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description
Pace will construct up to 150 concrete pads and ancillary connections to accessible paths at Pace bus stops throughout their service area. The pads would be located against a raised curb to facilitate "level boarding" from the pad to the buses bottom stop or provide a landing area for a wheelchair lift. This project is matched with Transportation Development Credits.
Current Activities
Pace, from an initial list of 191 candidate stops, has completed improvements at 65 locations. At the end of March 2013, the last series of improvements were made at: 162nd/Woodlawn, SW, South Holland; Cermak at Boeger, NE, Westchester; Cermak at Boeger, SW, Westchester; Randall Rd at Wilson St, SB, Batavia (shelter installation); Halsted St at 171st St, South Holland (shelter installation); and 159th at Pulaski, NW, Markham. The project is complete.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Federal $600,000

Last Updated 09.17.2014

+ Worth TOD Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Worth $74,830
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports
Description
This project assisted the Village in the creation of a TOD Plan for the area surrounding the Worth Metra station, as recommended by the CMAP Planning Priorities report completed for the Village. The Plan provides a focus on residential and commercial redevelopment near the Metra station along Depot Street, 111th Street and Harlem Avenue. The Plan recommendations create a vision for a Village in developing a downtown area. The desire is to facilitate and sustain future development that would expand opportunities for the residents and business owners, while also increasing ridership for Metra and Pace commuters.
Current Activities
The Worth TOD Plan was completed in August 2016 and adopted by the Village Board as an amendment to the Village Comprehensive Plan on December 6, 2016.

Six new townhomes on Crandall and 5 townhomes on 110th, all within two blocks of the Metra station, have been approved by the Village and constructed in 2018. A key opportunity parcel identified in the plan at 111th and Depot street has been redeveloped into new retail space.

The RTA will continue to monitor implementation activity and will provided assistance as needed.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $19,955
Local $14,966
Federal $39,909

Last Updated 10.30.2018

+ Glenwood Station Area Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Glenwood $91,750
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports
Description
This study created a transit-oriented development plan for the potential transit station on the proposed Southeast Service Line that would be located within the Village. The plan provides guidance for the location of the station, surrounding land uses, and transportation improvements. The plan also outlines an implementation plan and design guidelines to be used by the Village and potential developers.
Current Activities
The Glenwood Village Board unanimously adopted the Village of Glenwood Station Area Plan in July 2010. The Board, with recommendations from the Plan Commission, preferred the northern station location while leaving the southern station location as an alternative. The plan was a culmination of a yearlong study that involved citizens, business owners, elected official, Village Staff and transit agencies.

Metra completed the Alternatives Analysis for the Southeast Service in 2010 and in 2011 then Governor Quinn signed into law House Bill 1644 which established the Southeast Commuter Rail Transit District which now has authority to acquire rights to use the freight rail line, buy land to build train stations and purchase rail cars. In 2015 Metra suspended further development of the line due to a lack of funding.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $73,400
Local $18,350

Last Updated 06.08.2017

+ University Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan University Park $74,933
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This University Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study recommends the establishment of mixed use development in the station area that would also functionally connect the east and west sides of the Village. The plan also recommends improved connections among Village neighborhoods, Governors State University and the station. The study was completed in September 2002.
Current Activities

The Village is exploring ways to incentivize development around the Metra station as well as near Governors State University. Currently the Village is working on various road improvement projects, especially improving Stuenkel Road with new pavement and a 10' multi-use path connecting GSU to Metra. IDOT constructed a new interchange at I-57 and Stuenkel Road which improves road access to GSU and the Village. Governors State University transitioned to a 4-year college in the Fall of 2014, which will bring an estimated 12,000 students to the area each year. A 3-phase, 10-building student housing project called Prairie Place is currently being constructed on campus to provide on-site housing. With this new housing comes the anticipated need for retail/commercial food opportunities. In advance of the University's expansion, the Village worked with the RTA to convene an RTA/ULI Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice on ways to attract investment in the TOD area and near campus. This panel convened in March 2014. A summary of the discussion can be found in the Related Reports section below. 

In early 2015, the RTA applied for CMAQ funds on behalf of the Village, via the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program, for pedestrian improvements along Pace Route 367, which connects to the Metra station and Governors State University. The project was chosen for CMAQ funding in fall of 2015 as part of the RTA's combined application.

In 2020, the RTA awarded University Park grant funds to sponsor an update to the TOD Plan. The University Park TOD Plan Update was completed in early 2023 and adopted by the Village Board in February 2023. More information can be found at the following link: https://rtams.org/projects/planning/2994.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $14,987
Federal $59,946

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ Rolling Meadows Golf Road Transit and Pedestrian Mobility Study Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Rolling Meadows $88,760
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project provided recommendations aimed at improving pedestrian access, circulation and safety along Golf Road (IL Route 58) from Interstate 290 (IL Route 53) to Algonquin Road (IL Route 62), a 2 mile corridor that is home to several thousand professional jobs. The study focused on ways to make the area transit and pedestrian friendly, and examined the possibility of increased local transit service.
Current Activities
The final plan was presented to and approved by the City Council on March 19, 2013. An Implementation Task Force has been formed and continues to pursue funding options for plan recommendations, particularly pedestrian improvements and additional shuttle service.

The City received Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding, via the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program, to install two pedestrian signal heads, two miles of sidewalks, and five crosswalks in the study area. Installation of these improvements was completed in late 2016.

Pace initiated Call-n-Ride service for the corridor in October 2012. Additionally, the Implementation Task Force is working with the TMA of Lake Cook to investigate possible Shuttle Bug service.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $71,008
Local $17,752

Last Updated 05.31.2017

+ Robbins Metra Station Transit-Oriented Development Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Robbins $57,000
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
The Village of Robbins Metra Station Transit-Oriented Development Study recommends a redevelopment strategy that creates a new neighborhood with increased residential and retail opportunities. Major components of the plan include the restoration of the flood plain by utilizing it for active recreational uses and open space, concentrating development outside of the flood plain and improving the transit facility.
Current Activities

The study was completed in July 2002 and in the same year the Village was awarded $247,827 from the TCSP grant program to construct a new station house. A senior living facility was constructed in 2003-2004 just west of the Metra station. On June 13, 2012 the Village celebrated the opening of a newly-paved, 157-space commuter parking lot complete with new bike racks. To build on this effort, the RTA worked with the Village to convene a working group consisting of Village staff, the City of Blue Island, RTA staff, CMAP, Metra, ATA and Cook County Highway Department to identify ways to improve pedestrian mobility and access to the Metra Station. The final Robbins Pedestrian Access Improvement Plan can be found under Related Reports.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $11,400
Federal $45,600

Last Updated 02.14.2024

+ Chicago South Lakefront Corridor Transit Study Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Chicago $449,945
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
The purpose of this study was to identify public transportation improvements that will enhance mobility for residents of the study area communities and increase access to jobs located throughout the city and surrounding areas. The South Lakefront study area borders are the lakefront on the east; the Stevenson Expressway on the north; the Dan Ryan Expressway, Norfolk Southern rail yard and Cottage Grove Avenue on the west; and 95th Street on the south. Over the last 20 years, the city, businesses, and the civic community have demonstrated strong leadership and commitment in working to address many of the economic and social challenges in the study area. This study further supports this ongoing commitment by encouraging dialogue among area residents, community leaders, institutions, developers, and city and regional transit and transportation officials. The study developed consensus on the main transit-related issues and problems in the study area and on the most important transit system investments and related community development projects so that they can be advanced to more detailed study.
Current Activities
CDOT allocated $260,000 in CMAQ funding to construct pedestrian access improvements at the 35th / IIT Green Line Station. Improvements included a pedestrian plaza, pedestrian countdown signals, crosswalks, curb bump-outs and signal timing improvements on 35th Street to improve traffic flow. To further enhance the connectivity to this station the CTA extended service on the #35 31st / 35th bus route west to Cicero Avenue. Tribune article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-cta-35-bus-1010-20131010,0,5789910.story

In 2015 the CTA was awarded funds from the RTA's Community Planning program to study the slow bus service along the 79th street corridor and to identify ways to improve the slow zones, thus restoring the reliability of this important and busy bus route. This study was completed in 2018 and can be found on RTAMS.

The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development will be partnering with the RTA in 2019 to complete a study in the South Shore neighborhood that will study land use, business retention, housing and connectivity to transit improvements for both corridors.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $359,956
Local $89,989

Last Updated 10.30.2018

+ Kane County Ride-in-Kane Assessment Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Kane County DOT $75,000
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project assessed the existing Ride in Kane program and recommended areas of improvement. Program performance and financial conditions were examined. Solution strategies of the report focus on elements such as trip scheduling, reporting procedures, and trip pooling. An implementation plan and sponsor toolkit resource guide were prepared to assist program participants in enacting recommendations.
Current Activities
The final report was completed in October, 2015.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $15,000
Federal $60,000

Last Updated 10.05.2016

+ - Clearbrook - Community Connections for Adults with Disabilities Section 5310 / JARC / NF Operating Clearbrook $200,000
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

This project provides transportation services to more than 8,000 children & adults with Intellectual/developmental disabilities. Clients are transported to work, school, day programs, medical appointments, community recreation, and other activities.

Current Activities

The operating service provided 6,077 trips in June 2021. Ridership has been affected due to COVID-19

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $100,000
Federal $100,000

Last Updated 09.15.2022

+ Manhattan Developer Discussion Panel Community Planning Developer Panel Manhattan $3,500
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
The RTA coordinated with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to bring in a panel of development experts to provide guidance and advice on ways the community can attract TOD investment in their Metra station area.
Current Activities
This panel convened in April 2013 and a summary of this discussion can be found below in Study Documents. The RTA is monitoring progress and will offer assistance with implementation as needed.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $3,500

Last Updated 11.18.2016