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 2024-2028 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 2024-2028 Regional Capital Program. Beginning with the 2024-2028 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 2024-2028 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 2025-2028 budget years.
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.
BRT/Bus Slow Zone Removal/ TSP/Dedicated Lane projects
Bus
$1,500,000
$1,500,000
$231,240,000
$229,740,000
Targeted street and traffic signal improvements to increase bus speeds
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Bus Priority Corridor Study
Electrical, Signal & Communications
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is pursuing the Bus Priority Corridor Study to advance planning for key bus corridors in the City of Chicago to identify concepts to dramatically improve bus service. The project will advance equity and mobility justice by enabling higher quality transit services to communities that have the greatest needs, mitigate congestion, improve air quality, and promote economic development and access to opportunity.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 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
$575,000
$0
$0
$575,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Bus Slow Zones Elimination Program
Electrical, Signal & Communications
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
This is a joint partnership with CDOT where CTA and CDOT will implement a coordinated program of bus priority treatments and targeted solutions for specific problem areas, in order to improve speed and reliability on major bus corridors. Project funds will cover final design and construction for all six routes.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 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
$15,200,000
$0
$0
$15,200,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
CTA Bus Queue Jump Signal Pilot
Electrical, Signal & Communications
Bus
$1,500,000
$1,500,000
Project Details
Description
The Bus Queue Jump Signal pilot proposal includes the design and installation of a pilot set of queue jump signals. This innovative project will expand on existing “smart intersection” technology to grant CTA buses early signal priority, allowing them to safely bypass traffic at intersections. Partnering with CTA on this project is the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and they have been implementing smart intersection technology throughout the city, which utilizes video detection to assess roadway usage and provide traffic counts, among other uses. This existing technology will be built upon, using components of machine learning, to identify CTA buses and communicate with the signal controller to provide a bus queue jump signal on a separate signal head. Through precisely targeting CTA buses, priority signals will only be granted when needed, ensuring an efficient use of signal time at the intersection.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$1,500,000
$0
$1,500,000
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$0
$1,500,000
$0
$1,500,000
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
Metra
Chicago Union Station Improvements
Rail
$1,000,000
$16,070,000
$549,675,000
$533,605,000
Implementation of key projects benefiting commuters using Chicago Union Station
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Chicago Union Station Concourse Reconstruction
Stations & Passenger Facilities
Rail
$1,000,000
$15,000,000
Project Details
Description
This project will support the Amtrak-led effort to complete the Final Design phase work and the eventual construction phase to reconstruct the Chicago Union Station (CUS) Concourse. Metra and Amtrak collaborate to maintain and improve CUS and the facilities within the terminal. Project funds will provide Metra’s local matching funding commitment to Amtrak’s project.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$14,000,000
$14,000,000
State
$0
$1,000,000
$0
$1,000,000
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
$14,000,000
$17,000,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Chicago Union Station Interlockers
Stations & Passenger Facilities
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
This project involves the modernization and upgrading of outmoded interlockings at the north and south ends of Chicago Union Station (CUS). The project will include, but not be limited to, new rail, ties, ballast cleaning or replacement, upgrades to signal infrastructure, replacement of switches and components, and other related work as needed. Amtrak contributes funds towards a portion of the project work.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 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
$8,500,000
$0
$0
$8,500,000
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$13,096,850
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Amtrak identified scope of work for 2024 and has executed with Metra a Fixed Facility Agreement to complete the project. The project has started where Amtrak began the replacement and upgrades of switches, signal and rail at Harrison St and Taylor St of the North and South end of CUS. Construction activities continue.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
Crew Facilities Chicago Union Station
Stations & Passenger Facilities
Rail
$0
$1,070,000
Project Details
Description
Remodeling of the Chicago Union Station Crew Facility will provide adequate female staff locker, shower, toilet, and bunk facilities. The remodel will also upgrade the male staff locker, shower, toilet, and bunk facilities. The remodel will also revise the mechanical systems to provide the required ventilation, which has been an issue in the facility. Finally, the remodel will improve lighting in the facilities and confirm life safety systems meet the applicable building codes.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$0
$700,000
$700,000
State
$0
$0
$370,000
$370,000
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$0
$0
$1,070,000
$1,070,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Pace
Fixed Route Buses - Electric
Bus
$826,779
$78,835,907
$487,500,000
$408,664,093
Replacement of buses reaching useful life with electric buses
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Fixed Route Electric Buses
Rolling Stock
Bus
$826,779
$78,835,907
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Replace 52 diesel buses with electric buses including any associated equipment (cameras, destination signs, etc.) and services (Buy America audit and inspections).
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$826,779
$72,614,500
$73,441,279
State
$0
$0
$5,394,628
$5,394,628
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$26,192,311
$826,779
$78,009,128
$105,028,218
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 06.10.2024
+
CTA
Program Development
System
$625,000
$3,125,000
$6,250,000
$3,125,000
Provide for Program Development
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Program Development - UWP
Contingencies and Administration
System
$625,000
$3,125,000
Project Details
Description
Develop and refine CTA's capital programs for inclusion into five year regional Transportation Improvement Program. Provide support as required to finalize the current TIP. Analyze project proposals for potential inclusion in the Authority's Capital Program, presentations to the public, CTA Board and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 Funding
Total
Federal
$0
$500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$125,000
$500,000
$625,000
Total
$1,463,226
$625,000
$2,500,000
$4,588,226
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Metra
75th Street Corridor
Rail
$0
$0
$1,646,583,750
$1,646,583,750
Reconfigure track shared by Metra, Amtrak, and freight trains
+
Metra
A-2 Interlocking Replacement
Rail
$0
$0
$826,875,000
$826,875,000
Separate tracks at busiest switching location on Metra system
+
Pace
ADA Regional Paratransit Program
Bus
$0
$0
$394,034,000
$394,034,000
Replacement of vehicles and radio systems for existing program. New vehicles, transfer locations and maintenance facilities for direct Pace ownership of assets for ADA service within City of Chicago
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
ADA Technology Upgrades and Transfer Centers
Systemwide
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Regional ADA Paratransit Communication Technology and Transfer Locations - Projects include upgrades to the Trapeze software, TripCheck online booking and tracking, TripCheck Interactive Voice Response phone system, text/email notifications, and Ventra integration. In areas with frequent transfers, funding will be used to purchase land, build facilities, and provide amenities for riders. Pace has identified a location that is adjacent to the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg that is planned to be the first of these transfer locations.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 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
$0
$0
$0
$0
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$20,000,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Construction at the Northwest Transportation Center ADA Transfer Facility is ongoing. The contractor completed the underground sewer and drainage structure installation. Site work is ongoing with sandblasting of the existing bus bays and painting. Construction of the transfer facility included building the walls, slab-on-grade floor, transfer facility utilities, new bus driveway pavement, light pole foundations, curb and gutter. Progress continues on the implementation of various technology enhancement projects. The first two phases of the Taxi Access Program have been completed and the vendor is currently working on the third phase. Activity continues on two phases of Trapeze technology enhancements to Pace’s Trapeze paratransit scheduling system.
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
Pace
Administration - Pace
Bus
$0
$0
$0
$0
Provide for program administration
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
2020 - Professional Project Management and Oversight Consulting Services
Contingencies and Administration
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Project Management for Priority Capital Projects - Consulting services to assist Pace in the successful delivery of priority capital projects funded by Rebuild Illinois.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 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
$0
$0
$0
$0
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$425,000
On Budget
Behind Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
A contract was executed with STV Construction Inc. for project management consulting services. Task 1 involved a systems review of Pace's capital projects completion process and recommendations of industry best practices. The consultant completed the task order for this funding. This will be the final update of this project.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
2021/2022 - Professional Project Management and Oversight Consulting Services
Contingencies and Administration
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Project Management for Priority Capital Projects - Consulting services to assist Pace in the successful delivery of priority capital projects funded by Rebuild Illinois.
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 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
$0
$0
$0
$0
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$1,000,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The contractor, STV, completed all the work under contract for PMO services Task Order #5, which included e-Builder administration, augmentation of Pace staff, and other consulting services. Final invoices remain and this will be the final update on this project.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Pace
Associated Capital Maintenance Items
Bus
$0
$0
$89,600,000
$89,600,000
Capital costs associated with the maintenance of buses
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Engine/Transmission Retrofits & Maintenance Capital
Rolling Stock
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Engine/Transmission Retrofits & Associated Capital - Replacement of engines and transmissions at a unit cost of $160,000 per bus and $8,000 per paratransit vehicle, and associated capital (radiator, pumps, alternator, filters, belts, compressors, coils, shafts, modules, clamps, heaters, turbochargers, etc.).
*Previous funding shows all funding since 2021, but not with detail by funding source. Note that the project may have funding from capital programs previous to 2021 that is not shown in table.
Source
Previous Funding*
2024 Funding
2025-2028 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
$5,912,569
$0
$0
$5,912,569
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
CTA
Blue Line Forest Park Modernization - Phase 3
Rail
$0
$0
$598,030,000
$598,030,000
Track improvement and special work placement, interlocking relocation and station renovations
