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 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.

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 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding 10 Year Funding Needed 10 Year Unfunded Need
+ CTA Blue Line Forest Park Modernization - Phase 4 Rail $0 $0 $597,030,000 $597,030,000

Des Plaines Yard and Forest Park terminal reconstruction

+ CTA Blue Line (O'Hare) Traction Power Capacity & Track Improvements Rail $0 $0 $215,740,272 $215,740,272

Upgrades and State of Good Repair projects along the O'Hare Branch of the Blue Line

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Blue Line O'Hare Branch - Special Trackwork Track & Structure Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Funds provide for the replacement of stock rails, switch points, frogs, switch ties, and plates on the O’Hare Line that are no longer in a state of good repair and require concentrated maintenance by CTA forces to ensure service. The component replacement will take place between the Jefferson Park interlocking and the O’Hare terminal.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $2,013,674 $0 $0 $2,013,674

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Blue Line O'Hare Branch Traction Power Improvements Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Blue Line O'Hare Branch Traction Power Improvements GTT - Project will include targeted track repairs to remove existing slow zones on the Congress Branch of the Blue Line. CTA has identified traction power voltage drop issues along the Blue Line. Scope of work will include but not limited to the following elements: New infill substations, infill wayside energy storage systems, infill tie houses, third rail replacement, addition of auxiliary negative rail; work will be performed by an outside contractor. In addition project will aslo provide for the replacement of ties, track fasteners, footwalks, and incidental signal and traction power; this part of work will be performed by CTA Field Forces.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $12,405,159 $0 $0 $12,405,159

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$207,100,000
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The contractor completed installation and testing of wayside signal equipment and all cutovers along the specific portion of the blue line. The project is considered substantially complete with the contractor performing punch list items. Final invoices remain and this will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Blue Line Traction Power - Barry, Damen and Canal Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Construct a tie house (at the intersection of Milwaukee/Canal/Lake Street) and two new substations (at Barry/Kimball intersection and Damen/Milwaukee intersection) to support traction power needs on the Blue Line. These assets will support increasing ridership demands as well as the power needed to support 5000 and 7000 series rail cars. The location of the tie house and substations were determined by the Blue Line Load Flow study, which identified areas that were likely to experience traction power issues.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $2,200,191 $0 $0 $2,200,191

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$123,967,362
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
Construction work is ongoing at Canal, Damen, Haymarket and the Canal Tie-House. AC switchgear was installed at the Haymarket substation, however there is work to investigate and repair a line crack that occurred. Damen electrical work and Barry curtainwall work is ongoing.

Last Updated 09.25.2024

+ Old Mannheim Replacement Foot walk Track & Structure Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Restore footwalk at Old Manheim on the O'Hare Line.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $250,000 $0 $0 $250,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Traction Power Upgrades - Kedvale, Edmunds & Sacramento Substations Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
This project will Provide for AC breaker replacement at Kedvale, Edmunds and Sacramento substations. This will also include the replacement of oil (non?PCB) transformer and rectifiers along with roof and doors replacement at the Kedvale and Sacramento substations.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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
$12,030,427
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The contractor was able to install the transformers, rectifiers, as well as roof and door replacements since the last reporting period. The project reachedsubstantial completion in January 2023 and punchlist items were completed. Final invoices remain. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Brown Line Improvements Rail $0 $0 $436,384,000 $436,384,000

Upgrades and State of Good Repair projects along the Brown Line

+ CTA Bus Garage Improvements Bus $0 $0 $248,090,000 $248,090,000

Provide repairs at bus maintenance garages and shops

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Bus Hoist Replacement Program Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Project will support an updated assessment of the bus hoists to determine which may need replacement, as well as design and construction for those locations.This funding will provide for the purchase and installation of bus hoists at five CTA bus garages.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $15,000,000 $0 $0 $15,000,000

Last Updated 03.15.2023

+ Improve Facilities - Electric Bus Program Planning Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
CTA has committed to a full electrification of the bus fleet by 2040, providing significant air quality improvements to the region and the immediate vicinity of the garage facilities. To implement the program, the garages will need to be converted to allow for routing servicing / charging of the buses as well as new maintenance requirements. The work will generally involve significant electrical upgrades, installation of charger infrastructure, and general updates to the facility to support the conversion to an electric fleet.The primary locations for the electric charger upgrades will be within all of the CTA bus garages. Secondary locations will be on route charging at major terminals to support the longer bus routes. A study is ongoing to recommend network options and charging requirements. Additionally, load flow studies will be required at all of the garages to properly determine the specific charging needs.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $44,599,730 $0 $0 $44,599,730

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ North Park Garage – Building Demolition Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Project will cover the building demolition and site restoration of 5323 N. Kedzie.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $177,485 $0 $0 $177,485

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Pace Bus on Shoulder (BoS) Infrastructure Bus $0 $0 $17,025,000 $17,025,000

Passenger facilities for Bus on Shoulder service

+ Pace Charging Infrastructure Bus $0 $0 $36,000,000 $36,000,000

Charging infrastructure at garages to charge electric buses, including power supply lines, charging station equipment, and backup generators .

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Charging Infrastructure Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Maintenance of existing building structures, systems, asphalt/concrete, etc. Charging infrastructure at North, North Shore, and Southwest Divisions.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $5,500,000 $0 $0 $5,500,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ North Division Garage Improvements Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
These funds will be used to prepare the North Garage for Electirc buses.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $10,181,017 $0 $0 $10,181,017

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Pace Community Vehicles - Expansion Bus $0 $0 $3,000,000 $3,000,000

New Community and Call-n-Ride vehicles

+ Pace Community Vehicles - Replacement Bus $0 $0 $17,955,000 $17,955,000

Replacement of buses reaching useful life

+ CTA Critical Needs at CTA Facilities System $0 $10,000,000 $118,533,935 $108,533,935

Roof and other upgrades to maintenance facilities

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Facilities Critical Needs Support Facilities & Equipment System $0 $10,000,000

Project Details

Description
Address the most immediate critical needs at CTA facilities systemwide to enable their safe and reliable operation.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $10,000,000 $10,000,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $10,578,000 $0 $10,000,000 $20,578,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Facilities Critical Needs - Forest Glen Building Demolition Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The purpose of this project is to eliminate building maintenance costs and security liabilities to CTA associated with the vacant buildings at the Forest Glen Bus Garage (located at 5353 W. Armstrong Avenue and 5601 N. Elston Avenue), as well as to provide additional capacity for bus parking at the Forest Glen Bus Garage. The project scope includes demolition of the buildings at 5353 W. Armstrong Avenue, 5601 N. Elston Avenue, and the existing salt shed (all currently owned by the CTA).
Funding Amounts by Source
*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
$7,366,852
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
Both of the vacant buildings have been demolished and the debris has been removed from the site. Fencing has been installed around the vacant lot. This project was significantly delayed due to the extensive environmental abatement process that was not initially anticipated. Final invoicing related to this process is outstanding. This is the final report on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Facilities Critical Needs - Kedzie Bus Garage Façade Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
The project will retain a DoR firm to complete a comprehensive assessment of the structure’s exterior envelope to develop remediation and/or replacement plans for concerns regarding the exterior brick veneer delaminating from the backing block. The work will include detailing for caulking, flashing, or other treatments to prevent future similar issues from occurring due to water infiltration. Construction will repair portions of the brick that have fallen from the structure and other repairs to prevent recurrence of the failure.
Funding Amounts by Source
*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 $1,875,813 $0 $0 $1,875,813

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$6,596,514
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The project was on a brief hold in the winter due to weather conditions. The contractor has re-mobilized and work on concrete repairs, expansion joints, joint sealers and thermal insulation is ongoing. The tuckpointing and roofing work is also in progress.

Last Updated 06.10.2024

+ Pace Farebox System Bus $0 $0 $0 $0

Replace fareboxes that are over 20-years old

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 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 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 $3,079,344 $0 $0 $3,079,344

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 12.14.2023