Regional Capital Program

Capital programming is a core function of the RTA. RTA and the Service Boards have worked to articulate as well as advance a capital strategy for transit projects in the Chicagoland region.

Priority Projects have been identified by the Service Boards. These priority projects are updated on an annual basis. This page shows details about the funding for each priority project.

The 2025-2029 5-Year Regional Capital Program includes over 250 projects that are advancing many of these Priority Projects. The capital projects are shown in the table below, organized by Priority Project and can also be seen in a mapped form on the RTA Capital Projects Dashboard. Each project listing shows the amount of funding programmed in the 2025-2029 Regional Capital Program. Beginning with the 2025-2029 Capital Program, projects are evaluated based on 15 measures which were identified in the new Regional Transit Strategic Plan, Transit is the Answer. All projects in the 2025-2029 program show the detailed evaluations in this site.

The metrics include evaluations of Equity and Accessibility which are used in the performance-based allocation process. The region has committed to dedicating 20% of programmed funds to projects that fulfill the regional goals of improving equity and accessibility for 2025 and beyond as a part of the new performance-based capital allocation process

The Service Boards have met and exceeded the 20% goal for the 2025-2029 budget years.

Detailed analysis of the capital evaluation metrics is included in the Regional Transit Operating Budget and Capital Program

Read more about RTA’s capital programming activities here.

Project Management Oversite (PMO) data is provided for projects that are being actively monitored by the PMO group. Data included current activities, start and end date and budget and schedule status. The following page has a full list of active PMO projects.

Agency Priority Project Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding 10 Year Funding Needed 10 Year Unfunded Need
+ Pace Farebox System Bus $0 $0 $0 $0

Replace fareboxes that are over 20-years old.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding PMO
+ Farebox System Replacement Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Farebox System Replacement - Over 700 fareboxes on Pace fixed route buses will be replaced, with prior PAYGO funding of $7.5M from 2020 included.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $17,729,344 $0 $0 $17,729,344

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$7,500,000
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
All of the fareboxes were installed on the garages and the project is considered substantially complete. Final invoices remain. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 04.01.2024

+ Pace Fixed Route Buses - Electric Bus $0 $137,949,038 $629,200,000 $491,250,962

Replacement of buses reaching useful life with electric buses.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding PMO
+ Fixed Route Electric Buses Rolling Stock Bus $0 $137,949,038 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Replacement battery-electric buses including associated equipment (cameras, destination signs, etc.) and services (Buy America audit and inspections) for fixed route services operating systemwide.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $135,655,414 $135,655,414
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $2,293,624 $2,293,624
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $27,019,090 $0 $137,949,038 $164,968,128

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$28,749,859
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The contract was executed, and the vendor originally provided Pace with an updated production schedule due to previous supply chain issues and long lead time items. However, the vendor was bought out by a new company, Phoenix Cars, LLC. Since the change, Phoenix has provided Pace with an updated delivery schedule and Pace will start to receive vehicles in early 2025.

Last Updated 12.19.2024

+ Pace Fixed Route Buses - Expansion Bus $0 $0 $83,889,000 $83,889,000

Buses for new services.

+ CTA Green Line Improvements Rail $0 $0 $645,293,069 $645,293,069

Track, structural, station, and power improvements.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding PMO
+ Englewood Racine Green Line Station Feasibility Study (EPI) Track & Structure Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Study to determine the possiblity of reopening the Green Line Racine Station in Englewood
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $2,778,500 $0 $0 $2,778,500

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Green Line - Lake Street Bridge Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The Green Line Improvements project will largely focus on track replacement and structural repairs.This funding would support track improvements on both sides of the Lake Street Bridge, which isscheduled to be completely replaced by the Chicago Department of Transportation in 2023. The scopeof the project will include: improve the curve geometry on the east side of the bridge; replace thetimber ties and rail fasteners, install new gauge planking, replace equipment at both the east and westturnouts, and replace structural steel framing for the three side platforms adjacent to the track.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $7,025,296 $0 $0 $7,025,296

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$7,025,296
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The design has been completed. Coordination efforts with CDOT are ongoing. Once CDOT finishes their portion of the design, CTA will align the timeline for procurement and construction activities with CDOT’s.

Last Updated 06.10.2024

+ Green Line Improvements - 59th Junction Track & Structure Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Replacement of special track work and adjacent mainline trackwork at Green Line 59th Junction. Rehab of track surves over the Dan Ryan Expressway, and rehabilitation of track on adjacent bridges over the Norfolk Southern and Metra Train lines.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $21,911,108 $0 $0 $21,911,108

Last Updated 03.15.2023

+ Green Line Improvements - Station Repairs to Green West and South Track & Structure Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
The Green Line Improvements project will largely focus on track replacement and structural repairs.This funding will improve Green line infrastructure including track, substations, traction power cable replacements, stations, and all local traction power cables throughout the line system.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $1,460,174 $0 $0 $1,460,174

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Green Line Jackson Park Branch Trackwork Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The Green Line Improvements project will largely focus on track replacement and structural repairs. FY 2020 funding will improve Green line infrastructure improvements including Track, Substations, Traction Power Cable Replacement and all local traction power cables throughout the line system.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $12,885,446 $0 $0 $12,885,446

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$12,855,446
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The work is being performed by CTA in-house work forces. Activities related to tie replacement, cross grinder and flange replacements are ongoing. Material purchases are also ongoing.

Last Updated 06.10.2024

+ Lake Street Line (Track and Structure) Track & Structure Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Track renewal work focusing on the Lake Street elevated tracks from Ada Street to the Abutment West of Laramie Avenue. This work builds upon the recent track renewal work completed from Harlem to Laramie Avenue.The specific area of work within this segment of track will be determine based on funding availability and the condition of track. This provides for the initial installment of funds that are required for a significantly larger investment to complete work. Additional phased funding will be required to complete the entire segment of Track.Scope includes replacement of ties, fasteners, timber guards, contact rail chairs, footwalks, handrails, track planking, selective running and contact rail, including at special trackwork and the middle track locations. The scope also includes improved curve geometry, running rail grinding, and incidental signal/traction power work. Lake Street
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $11,408,000 $0 $0 $11,408,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Pace IBS Replacement & Onboard Digital Screens Bus $0 $0 $29,636,495 $29,636,495

Equipment for bus tracking, communications, and data.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding PMO
+ Intelligent Bus System (IBS) Electrical, Signal & Communications Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Intelligent Bus System - Project includes replacement Automatic Passenger Counter equipment (450), routers (600), Apollo cameras (650), IBS servers (8) & software, Storage Area Networks (2), dispatch radios (22), mobile radios (70), Integrated Vehicle Logic Unit Mobile Data Terminals (800), Tate data radios (800), Motorola voice radios (800), and data tower Radio Network Controller equipment (11).
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $2,975,000 $0 $0 $2,975,000

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$2,875,000
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
Pace continued activities on this project during this reporting period. This project is for the automatic passenger counters on fixed route buses. Pace is working with the vendor for a transit master software upgrade. Similarly, work continues on the procurement of bi-directional amplifiers.

Last Updated 09.25.2024

+ Pace Improve Passenger Facilities - Park-n-Ride Lots Bus $0 $0 $6,250,000 $6,250,000

Updates and repairs to Park-n-Ride lots.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding PMO
+ Bolingbrook Park-n-Ride Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
This project will provide for improvements at the Bolingbrook Park-n-Ride
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $1,200,000 $0 $0 $1,200,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ I-55 Park-n-Rides Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
I-55 Park-n-Rides: A/E design and expansion of existing (Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Romeoville) and/or construction of new park-n-ride facility.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $3,750,000 $0 $0 $3,750,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Pace Improve Passenger Facilities - Transportation Centers Bus $0 $0 $67,150,000 $67,150,000

Improvements to Transportation and Transfer Facilities.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding PMO
+ Harvey Transportation Center - Pace Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Pace is partnering with Metra, the City of Harvey, and IDOT with the intent to move the transportation center and combine it with the Metra station.The elements of the construction may include pavement, lighting, platforms, shelters, restrooms, structures and systems and may have a taxi release area to create a multimodal facility.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $39,250,000 $0 $0 $39,250,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Improve Passenger Facilities Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Improve Passenger Facilities - Fabrication of a new Ventra machine for the O'Hare multimodal facility in 2021. Future renovations are being evaluated for Burr Ridge & Hillside Park-n-Rides, Chicago Heights Transfer Center, Riverdale Bus Turnaround, and Gurnee Mills Transportation Center.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $120,000 $0 $0 $120,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Joliet Gateway Center - Bus Stop Improvements Stations & Passenger Facilities Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The City of Joliet is redeveloping the existing publicly owned Joliet Union Depot and nearby publicproperties as a Multi-Modal Transportation Center to be owned by the City. As part of this redevelopmentthe City of Joliet has partnered with Pace to construct a new Bus Station and turn-around for public andinter-city transit which will include parking improvements and the construction of new vehicular andpedestrian access and circulation system. The new Bus Station is south of New Street, north of MarionStreet and west of the BNSF/Union Pacific Railroad. The bus station will have 13 berths, with Pacehaving exclusive use of 11 berths, passenger loading islands with canopies and shelters, signage andlandscaping. There will also be a widening of the St. Louis Street, Pace bus operator and public toilets ata location immediately northeast of the existing Pace Heritage Division garage, and ADA accessiblesidewalks.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $7,800,000 $0 $0 $7,800,000

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$9,509,500
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The City of Joliet and Pace entered into an Intergovernmental Grant Agreement for this project. The overall Joliet Gateway Terminal project is being managed by the City of Joliet. The City of Joliet prepared 100% design and bid the larger Intermodal Transportation Project, of which the Bus Turnaround Component is a part of. A construction contract was awarded, notice to proceed was issued in February, and construction began in March. Substantial completion and beneficial occupancy for the depot building was achieved in December 2021, after a walk?through inspection of depot building. The Scott Street pedestrian tunnel was completed in April 2022. Punch list items on building, passenger platforms and site landscaping were completed in June 2022.

Last Updated 01.09.2023

+ CTA Life-Extending Bus Overhaul 430 (1000 series) Bus $0 $18,305,262 $38,476,783 $20,171,521

Overhauls to maintain sufficient fleet until the first order of replacement buses is received.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding PMO
+ Life Extending Bus Overhaul - 430 Standard (1000 Series) Rolling Stock Bus $0 $18,305,262 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Life Extending Overhaul - Up to 430 Standard (1000 Series) - This project will overhaul the engine and other major sub-components to provide the minimal amount of work necessary to keep the fleet going. By end of FY2020 630 buses will have met their estimated 12 year life expectancy. This extension would extend the bus life by four years. The life extension for the 40 foot 1000-1629 New Flyer Bus is essential to keeping a majority of the CTA fleet running in optimal condition. The current fleet of 40 foot NF buses is over 1000 buses. This project is essential to meet availability requirements for CTA. These buses were purchased in 2006-2007 and this life extension is essential to maintaining peak availability requirements at all 7 bus garages.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $7,538,848 $7,538,848
State $0 $0 $10,766,414 $10,766,414
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $51,309,373 $0 $18,305,262 $69,614,635

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$1,893,610
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The CTA Team drafted technical specs and the project scope is under review as of this reporting period. The team completed testing the pilot Haldex air dryers on two buses and the buses w+

Last Updated 12.19.2024

+ CTA Mid-Life Bus Overhaul (4300 series) Bus $0 $0 $0 $0

Overhauls to maintain vehicles, ensure reliability and enable to perform through full useful life.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding PMO
+ Mid-Life Bus Overhaul 4300 Series Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Overhauls of the 4300 articulated buses to maintain vehicles, ensure reliability and enable to perform through full useful life
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $28,723,472 $0 $0 $28,723,472

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$25,327,057
On Budget
Behind Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
The milestones related to accepting the two pilot buses was completed in November 2023. Work on Milestone 3 was completed behind schedule in May 2024, and Milestone 4 was completed behind schedule on September 10, 2024. NFI continues to work on the final milestone of 32 buses and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. CTA is waiting for NFI to submit a new Recovery Schedule that will demonstrate how the schedule will make up or the delays to the project to get it back on schedule.

Last Updated 09.25.2024

+ CTA New Control and Training Center System $0 $0 $0 $0

Construct new CTA complex (campus) to include a Control Center and Training Facility.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2025 Funding 2025-2029 Funding PMO
+ New Control & Training Center Support Facilities & Equipment System $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
CTA complex (campus) to include a Control Center and Training Facility. The facility will be equipped with modern state of the art technology, heighten security criteria and redundant power sources. The Control Center portion of campus will include an auditorium, situation room, network operations center, and communication and training rooms. While, the new training facility portion of the campus will contain offices, classrooms, and conference rooms for CTA employee training. The training facility will contain both bus and railcar inspection pits including embedded rail track and testing track for rail operations. This project consolidates training functions across the agency within a centralized facility. Currently training is dispersed throughout the CTA system at various garages, yards, and offices due to space limitations. Thousands of CTA operating and maintenance employees use these facilities for employee training, instruction programs, and employee engagement. The primary rail and maintenance training is performed at a leased space and lacks all components necessary for proper training.
Funding Amounts by Source
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2020, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2020 that is not shown in table.
Source Previous Funding* 2025 Funding 2026-2029 Funding Total
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $317,270,670 $0 $0 $317,270,670

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$239,988,009
On Budget
On Schedule

^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group

Current Status
This is a design-build project and it is currently in the design phase. The 60% design submittal was submitted during this reporting period in July. The designer continued to proceed to submit the 90% design submittal in August, and is working on comments and revisions. Coordination efforts are ongoing with ComEd for the engineering of the power supply that will feed into the design development.

Last Updated 09.25.2024