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.

In accordance with the informal Management Plan, the Service Boards (the CTA, Metra and Pace) have been actively involved in every component of the plan, with overall program management provided by the RTA. Other agencies have been involved as appropriate. For example, the City of Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has been an active participant in several components to date. Other municipalities and transportation agencies will be included as specific recommendations are considered and implemented.

The project funds pedestrian-related improvements along Ridgeland Avenue between 102nd and 111th Streets, which is served by the Chicago Ridge Metra station and Pace Route 384. Improvements include a new crosswalk, pedestrian signal countdowns, pavement striping, pedestrian railroad safety gates, ornamental lighting, way-finding signs, and bike racks.

The RTA partnered with the City of Crystal Lake to create a transit-oriented development plan for the areas surrounding the Crystal Lake and Pingree Road Metra stations. The project created a development strategy for increasing the density in these areas with the goals to strengthen pedestrian walkability and to expand mixed use and transit supportive land uses for increased travel efficiency.

This project, by initially integrating the services of four dial-a-ride projects, now serves a geographic area covering seven communities, providing transportation services primarily for older adults and individuals with disabilities. This project will continue to integrate and coordinate dial-a-ride services currently being provided throughout McHenry County. Dial-a-ride service for seniors and people with disabilities is also provided throughout Greenwood, Dorr, Grafton, Nunda, McHenry, Marengo and Riley Townships. Three service extensions are included to serve the Fox Lake Metra Station, Valley-Hi nursing home/McHenry County Division of Transportation, and the Park and Ride lot in the Village of Lake in the Hills.

The RTA partnered with the Village of Itasca to update their Downtown Strategic Action Plan aimed at strengthening the downtown business environment surrounding the Itasca Metra station, guiding development and redevelopment, building on the Village's unique assets in the downtown area including historic buildings, parks and open space, and enhancing opportunities for transit oriented-development.