Planning Programs and Projects

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.

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.

The RTA partnered with the villages of Park Forest, Matteson and Richton Park to prepare a transportation alternatives study. The study examined the market potential for new mobility services such as local community-based transit services, shared mobility services, and non-motorized transportation alternatives, as well as identified additional approaches to continued land development near transit services.

The RTA assisted the Chicago Department of Transportation in identifying access to transit and mobility improvements along 31st Street from Sacramento Avenue to the city limits, particularly for non-auto users (pedestrians, transit riders, and bicyclists). This work included collecting and aggregating data of travel trends and traveler demographics in the study area and assisting with community outreach to obtain consensus on plan recommendations. The final plan includes block-by-block improvements that can be made to improve the environment for people walking, biking and using transit, thereby improving walkability and safety.

This RTA assisted the Village of Cary in the creation of the Downtown Cary Strategic Plan, a transit-oriented development plan for the area generally located within a half mile of the Cary Metra station. Particular attention was given to properties located within the first quarter mile of the station and the plan details a vision for downtown with a focus on future land use and infrastructure improvements that will help to strengthen the inner core of the community and encourage private reinvestment near the station.

This project included a transit market and facilities assessment of the I-294 Tri-State corridor from 159th Street Interchange in Markham to the Balmoral Interchange in Rosemont that encompasses a 5-mile radius on either side of the corridor. The assessment identified transit markets along I-294 to inform where future routes and investments in transit infrastructure could be made when the Tri-State is rebuilt, providing incentives for commuters to use public transit.

The RTA assisted the VIllage of Riverside with an update to the Village of Riverside's Zoning Ordinance. The update reflects current development trends and is a step towards implementing the Central Business District Plan that promotes pedestrian oriented redevelopment near the Riverside Metra station while preserving the character of the downtown. The code revisions also align the zoning code along Harlem Ave in a manner that more transit friendly and is based on the recommendations of the Harlem Avenue Corridor Plan, developed by the RTA and Pace. The update also addresses zoning issues related to protecting the Village's national historic landmark designation.

Clearbrook continues to provide 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. 

This project will create pedestrian access improvements to Pace bus stops located at Route 137 and Lewis Avenue in North Chicago, at the Lovell Federal Healthcare Center. The project includes new crosswalks, the removal of curbed signal islands and repaving where the curbed islands stand, installation of ADA compliant curbing and sidewalks, a section of retaining wall, a new bus shelter and pad, advanced prismatic pavement markings and signage, and signal modifications to include advanced audible countdown pedestrian heads at all legs of the intersection.

This is a general public, demand responsive dial-a-ride service that serves primarily for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the urban portions of Kendall County.   The award includes funding to support a part-time mobility manager.