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 | Budget | Funding Source(s) | Status Sort ascending | |||||||||
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| + | - | Volunteer Express '13-14 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Administration - Operating | Hanover Township | $4,800 |
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Completed | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project is a volunteer driver program that supplements the services offered by Hanover Township¿s Dial-A-Bus program. Volunteer drivers utilizing their own vehicles provide door-to-door service for older adults. Local share will be provided with transportation development credits. Current Activities
The grantee has concluded this program. This project is complete. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.24.2023 |
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| + | Chicago Southland TOD Corridor Planning Study Phase II Implementation | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) | $125,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project was the second phase of a two-phase planning process aimed at facilitating TOD at station areas in southland communities. Phase I was funded through the Community Planning program in 2009 and concluded at the end of 2010. Phase II built off the planning framework completed during Phase I and developed site plans for select sites in Homewood, Blue Island and Oak Forest.
Current Activities
In June 2015 a boutique hotel opened in Homewood across from the Metra station. This 18-room hotel also consists of a restaurant/bar and the owners are hopeful that the proximity to Metra will attract commuters to visit and stay in the area. For more information please visit "http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-homewood-hotel-st-0612-20150611-story.html".
In 2013 the SSMMA received assistance from the RTA (with support from ULI) to solicit guidance, advice and input from the development community on ways to attract TOD investment in the Oak Forest TOD area. This discussion took place on December 10, 2013 and a Summary Report of this discussion can be found below under "Related Studies". In 2015, Oak Forest received CMAQ program funding for pedestrian improvements in the Oak Forest station area via the RTA's Access to Transit Program. This project will improve multi-modal access to the station, as well as to Pace Route 383. In 2016 SSMMA provided additional funding to Homewood and Oak Forest to advance additional implementation efforts. Oak Forest will use the funds to complete a pro forma analysis and conceptual design review for two mixed-use, multi-family sites adjacent to the Rock Island Metra station. Homewood will use the funds to complete architectural, engineering, and environmental work for 28 proposed residential units, as well as a Science Center, on a currently vacant site near the Homewood Metra station. In 2018 Homewood began a marketing campaign to promote the affordability and convenience of living in Homewood. Advertisements were targeted to various Chicago neighborhoods. The City of Oak Forest continues to focus its economic development efforts towards quality placemaking, transit-oriented development around their Metra station by strategically acquiring dormant properties. In 2019 numerous projects were underway with the largest being Cook County releasing an RFP to begin redevelopment plans for the 129-acre Oak Forest Health Center. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.28.2019 |
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| + | North Chicago Station Area Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | North Chicago | $74,820 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project created a master plan and implementation strategy for the redevelopment of the area surrounding the North Chicago Metra rail station. The redevelopment would include high-density housing, retail and commercial services. The project will also analyze the inter-modal connections between Pace and Metra.
Current Activities
The final plan was adopted by the City Council in January 2008. Currently, the City has been exploring ways to acquire some or all of the excess property in the TOD area owned by Abbott Laboratories, which would allow them to pursue TOD opportunities recommended in the plan.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.25.2013 |
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| + | Will County Mobility Management Program '11 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Capital - Operating - Mobility Management | Will County | $892,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This program provides transportation and mobility management services for persons with disabilities, the elderly and low-income individuals residing in eastern Will County townships. The program is an outgrowth of the county's coordinated paratransit plan funded through the RTA's Subregional Planning program. The RTA Board approved the 2011 Program of Projects at its November 16, 2011 meeting. Grant agreements have been executed. By agreement with Washington Township this project has taken on the management responsibilities for grants initially awarded to Washington Township. As a result of this agreement an additional $32,970 in federal funding has been added to this project. Will County formed the Paratransit Council that will help to set policy for the project. This program provides transportation and mobility services seniors and individuals with disabilities residing in eastern Will County townships. Current Activities
The JARC service provided 228 trips in August 2018. This project is complete. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.08.2021 |
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| + | Evanston Multi-Modal Master Transportation Plan | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Evanston | $100,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The general scope of the project was to develop mode specific plans (transit, pedestrian, and auto) to compliment and integrate with the existing Evanston Bike Plan. The goal was to foster an integrated and coordinated transportation system throughout Evanston. The RTA participated in the transit component of this plan.
Current Activities
in late 2013 the City received CMAQ approval for a protected bike lane along Dodge Avenue from Church Street to Howard Street. This project will begin in 2014 and will improve access and safety for bicyclists throughout the downtown TOD area. For more information please visit http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq. Additionally, the City was selected as part of the 2015 RTA Community Planning Program to explore ways to create a TOD Parking Policy throughout the City. The completed policy is expected to be adopted by the City Council in fall of 2016.
In fall of 2015, the City was awarded CMAQ funding to construct covered bicycle parking at the Main Street CTA and Metra stations through the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 05.31.2017 |
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| + | La Grange Metra Station Access Improvements | Access to Transit Program | Pedestrian Access to Transit | La Grange | $385,100 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project provides improvements to the La Grange, Stone Avenue station on the BNSF commuter rail line that include ADA-accessible pathways to platforms, crosswalks on surrounding streets, improved accessibility to commuter parking, added bicycle parking, and improved kiss-and-ride areas. Current Activities
This project is complete. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.15.2021 |
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| + | - | McHenry County Service Integration & Coordination_'20-'21 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Capital | McHenry County | $100,000 |
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Completed | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
The MCRide program provides coordinated dial-a-ride service to individuals with disabilities and individuals 60 years or older. Service is provided countywide. This is an existing Section 5310 project. New to this application, and included in the recommended award, is capital funding to develop a trip scheduling and payment app for riders, eliminating the need to call the Pace call center or pay in cash. Current Activities
McHenry County has decided not to move forward with this project. Funds will be reprogrammed to another project. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 04.25.2024 |
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| + | Aurora Pedestrian Access to Transit Improvement Plan | Community Planning | Pedestrian Access to Transit | Aurora | $0 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
RTA staff, in partnership will the City of Aurora, prepared a pedestrian access improvement plan for the Aurora Transportation Center in downtown Aurora and Route 59 Metra station. The plan includes recommendations for improved pedestrian and bicycle access, including sidewalks and paths, enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian plazas, wayfinding signage and bicycle accommodations. Current Activities
Shortly after completion of the Plan the City of Aurora began construction of pedestrian access and related multi-modal improvements within the study area defined by the Pedestrian Access to Transit Improvement Plan. The improvements include: 1) Modifying the existing ATC parking lots to improve pedestrian and multi-modal safety and access. 2) Relocating the Pace bus transfer area to the east side of the commuter parking lot to reduce bus delay which will reduce vehicle/bus/pedestrian conflict and increase bus efficiently. 3) Constructing a 750 foot bridge over the Fox River, to provide connections to TOD areas on the other side of the river and to the Fox River Trail (Completed in April 2021), 4) Constructing new parking lots on the west side of the Fox River. 5) Installing new traffic signals and intersection improvements on Broadway Avenue. For more information see ATC Progress Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 05.18.2021 |
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| + | University Park TOD Plan Update | Community Planning | TOD Plan Update | University Park | $139,919 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The RTA assisted the Village of University Park to update its TOD plan that was completed in 2002 for the University Park Metra station. The revised study included an analysis of surrounding land uses and zoning codes, local road safety improvements and a last mile mobility strategy. Current Activities
The University Park TOD Plan was completed and adopted by the Village Board in February 2023. The final report can be found under Related Reports. The Village of University Park was awarded a follow up Community Planning project to build on the TOD Plan Update. The RTA is working with the Village on the University Park Special Financing District Study to evaluate funding mechanisms for the TOD site in University Park. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |
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| + | Pace Regional Call Center | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Mobility Management | Pace Suburban Bus | $17,085,943 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This is the first phase of a three-part plan to implement one of three regional call centers. The center will promote, enhance and facilitate access to transportation services, including the integration and coordination of services for individuals with disabilities, older adults and those individuals with low income. Facilitating the coordination of transportation services for work training work shops and work placement agencies are among the functions of the call center. Funding History 2008 Local Federal Total $446,646 $1,786,586 $2,233,232 2010 Local Federal Total $474,945 $1,899,781 $2,374,726 2011 Local Federal Total $520,588 $2,122,733 $2,643,321 2012 Local Federal Total $969,718 $3,878,874 $4,848,592 2013 Local Federal Total $997,215 $3,988,857 $4,986,072Current Activities
Funding for call center operations was first initiated with an award from the 2006 program to support the Ride-in-Kane project. Pace call centers continue to provide mobility management services for several demand responsive services and ADA complementary services. Pace is studying the structure and service design of the call centers to explore methods for improving consumer access and attaining greater operational efficiencies. The call center funded by this program now serves projects and ADA complementary services in DuPage, Kane and Will counties. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.19.2023 |
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