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
+ Metra Station ADA Rehabilitations Rail $0 $4,545,000 $1,124,130,000 $1,119,585,000

Metra's plan to make every station accessible to all people, reguardless of their mobility needs.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ 115th St. (Kensington) Station Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $1,300,000

Project Details

Description
The project purpose/objective is the rehabilitation/replacement of the Historic Kensington station on Metra's Metra Electric line. The station is located in Chicago’s Pullman community and while ADA accessible, is ready for modernization. The station will stay open during project construction, which will include a multi-phase rehabilitation. The project will be split into three distinct phases with the scope of work to include but not be limited to constructing a new boarding platform, a platform length canopy, two warming shelters, a climate controlled headhouse with an elevator, renovation of the depot, new signage and wayfinding. Site improvements may include but are not limited to resurfacing the parking lots, reconstructing sidewalks, installing ADA curb cuts, and other improvements to make the entrance pathways ADA-compliant.
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 $1,300,000 $1,300,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $1,300,000 $1,300,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Kedzie Station Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $465,000

Project Details

Description
The project will consist of the rehabilitation of the entire Kedzie station. This includes, but is not limited to, the rehabilitation of the platforms, canopy, staircases, retaining wall, guardrail, and station amenities (signs, lighting, bench, visual displays). The station will also be made ADA accessible through the addition of a compliant ramp or elevator to access the platform. The platform will also receive tactical striping for ADA accessibility.
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 $465,000 $465,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $465,000 $465,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Matteson Station Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $1,390,000

Project Details

Description
The project will rehabilitate the Matteson station and bring the station into ADA compliance. Improvements will include the replacement of all track-level station facilities with a new ADA-compliant station and improved Kiss & Ride facilities. The platform will be extended to accommodate 6-car trains along with a full-length canopy. The existing west entrance storefront, concrete platform stairs, headhouse, warming shelter, central and south windbreaks, light poles, and existing platform amenities will be demolished and reconstructed.
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 $1,390,000 $1,390,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $1,390,000 $1,390,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Riverdale Station Stations & Passenger Facilities Rail $0 $1,390,000

Project Details

Description
The rehabilitation of the 137th/Riverdale station facility will include the replacement of all track-level station facilities with a new ADA-compliant station and improved Kiss & Ride facilities. The platform will be extended to accommodate 6-car trains along with a full-length canopy. The north entrance will also be rebuilt along with the headhouse and gatehouse. Elevators will be added along with a new set of stairs at the south entrance.
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 $1,390,000 $1,390,000
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $1,390,000 $1,390,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Station Communication Infrastructure Rail $0 $0 $158,800,000 $158,800,000

These are all the life safety mission critical systems which all have to be upgraded at the same time, and are all interrelated. For example the rail station commmunications infrastructure upgrades are needed by PA system, the digital signage system, cameras system, telephone system, radio system etc.

+ CTA Subway Life Safety Improvements Rail $0 $18,000,000 $604,309,000 $586,309,000

Upgrade to existing subway ventilation equipment

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Subway Life Safety Track & Structure Rail $0 $18,000,000

Project Details

Description
Further planning and assesment is needed, but will use Call for Projects as basis to detailing specific plan. Some items to assess with budget are, but not limited to:• Ventilation improvements• Vent shaft grate replacements• Subway pumps and controls rehabilitation• Subway emergency egress footwalks• LED lighting improvements• Emergency Light Feed (ELF) upgrades• Subway sewer restoration
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 $18,000,000 $18,000,000
State $0 $0 $0 $0
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $3,000,000 $0 $18,000,000 $21,000,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Subway Underground Underwater Emergency Exit Track & Structure Rail $0 $0

Project Details

Description
The vision for this project is to secure CTA’s underground and underwater tunnel subway system and emergency exits by leveraging technology to fill the security deficiencies in the physical tunnel infrastructure that otherwise would be prohibitively expensive and improbable to achieve with humans. The goal is to create a comprehensive yet sustainable solution that ultimately prevents, detects, tracks, authorizes, and responds to all human activity in the restricted, non-public areas of the tunnels.
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 $1,874,906 $0 $0 $1,874,906

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Pace Support Equipment/Non-Revenue Vehicles Bus $0 $0 $22,450,000 $22,450,000

Facility and system maintenance equipment and vehicles

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Support Equipment - Non-Revenue Vehicles Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Support Equipment/Non-Revenue Vehicles - Projects in 2021 include the purchase of 18 compact SUVs and one minivan with wheelchair ramp.
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 $400,000 $0 $0 $400,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ CTA Systemwide Structural Renewal System $0 $100,000,000 $336,200,000 $236,200,000

State of Good Repair projects on CTA 'L' structure

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Harlem Bus Bridge Track & Structure Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
This project will replace the Harlem Bus Bridge at our O'Hare Line Harlem Station. The bridge removal and reconstruction limits are from the north end of the bridge expansion joint to the south limits of the bridge expansion joint. The work includes all removal and reconstruction of the existing bridge structure with a new superstructure galvanized steel and bearing assemblies, concrete bridge deck, concrete sidewalks, approach slabs, curb and gutters, drainage, expansion joint assemblies, guard rails, trash enclosures, pedestrian shelters, electrical I LED lighting, signage, pavement stripping, and curb lane painting.
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
$39,982,424
On Budget
Behind Schedule

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

Current Status
The Notice to Proceed for construction has been issued in September 2023. Bridge demolition is still ongoing and I-Beams are being removed with the assistance of a crane. Deck spans continue to be removed. Watermain revisions are under review with OUC for permits.

Last Updated 09.25.2024

+ Infrastructure State of Good Repair Program Track & Structure System $0 $100,000,000

Project Details

Description
Project funds will be targeted to Safety and State of Good Repair projects throughout CTA’s right-of-way infrastructure. All work planned and performed will maintain the asset(s) in proper condition through its quarter life cycle, while a more extensive rehabilitation is planned at the mid-life of the asset. Funding will provide for the replacement of ties, running rail and third rail on the elevated structure systemwide. Beyond track renewal, work will focus on key deficient structural elements that have been identified through structural inspections.
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 $90,100,000 $90,100,000
State $0 $0 $9,900,000 $9,900,000
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $100,000,000 $100,000,000

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Tactical Signal Improvements Rail $0 $0 $21,630,000 $21,630,000

State of Good Repair projects and replacing obsolete equipment on CTA rail signal system

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Tactical Traction Power (Equipment/Cable/Enclosures) Track & Structure Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
State of Good Repair projects and replacing obsolete equipment on CTA rail signal system
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 $2,125,768 $0 $0 $2,125,768

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$10,293,685
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
Permits for the project were received in the last reporting period. Currently, the General Contractor is submitting process plans for start of construction and mobilization on site. Delivery of onsite storage containers is ongoing. CTA is working with the contractor to start the first phase of the project, which is the electrical shop equipment relocation.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ CTA Tactical Traction Power Improvements (Systemwide) Rail $0 $0 $155,739,098 $155,739,098

Traction power substation, third rail replacement and SCADA upgrades

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Systemwide Tactical Traction Power Upgrades (Equipment/Cable/Enclosures) Electrical, Signal & Communications Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Tactical Traction Power (Equipment/Cable/Enclosures) -The purpose of this project is to implement traction power system improvements that will enable the CTA to continue to meet existing traction power needs, increase traction power capacity to meet future demand, and address state of good repair by repairing or replacing worn or obsolete equipment.
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 $10,864,902 $0 $0 $10,864,902

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$15,166,629
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The contractor made significant headway during this reporting period and was able to reach substantial completion in July of this year. The contractor was able to finish the final walkthrough inspection and completed all punchlist items and is in contract closeout. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Pace Uncategorized Projects - Pace Bus $0 $0 $0 $0

These are a miscellaneous set of Capital projects undertaken by Pace

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Transit Asset Management N/A Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Transit Asset Management - Consulting services for TAM Plan updates, including condition assessments of Pace facilities.
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 $400,000 $0 $0 $400,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Unanticipated Capital N/A Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Contingency funding for existing projects or small new projects
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 $3,000,000 $0 $0 $3,000,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Vision Plan Implementation Study N/A Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Vision Plan Implementation Study - Consulting services to include a system-wide market analysis and proposed service restructuring plan that will address the goals and objectives of Pace’s Driving Innovation Strategic Vision Plan.
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 $1,000,000 $0 $0 $1,000,000

Last Updated 12.16.2022

+ Pace Vanpool Vehicles - Replacement Bus $0 $0 $12,640,000 $12,640,000

Replacement of vans reaching useful life

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Purchase 7-passenger Vanpool Vehicles Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Vanpool Vehicles - Pace plans to purchase 164 replacement 17'-20' vans including associated equipment and services (Buy America audit and inspections) for vanpool services.
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
$13,899,800
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
The vans will be utilized in the six county Pace service area. To date a total of 25 vans have been ordered, all have been received. Pace has executed a contract to install OEM passenger running boards on the first order of 25 vans. All the running boards have been installed and are in the active fleet. Pace continued to work on an action plan for ordering more vehicles based on projected needs under a separate contract. This will be the final update on this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Metra Zero-Emissions Locomotives and Trainsets Rail $0 $78,604,137 $320,250,000 $241,645,863

Metra's investment in innovative, cleaner energy locomotives will procure multiple-unit car that produce zero mobile emissions without the need for wayside power.

Project Title Asset Category Mode 2024 Funding 2024-2028 Funding PMO
+ Zero-Emissions Locomotives Rolling Stock Rail $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Metra investment in innovative, cleaner energy locomotives will be funded in part by this project which will procure locomotives that produce zero mobile emissions. This multi-year, multi-phase project will acquire state-of-the-art technologies and pilot their performance capabilities given Metra’s track profile and the Chicago region’s inclement weather patterns. Metra estimates that replacing one old diesel locomotive with a zero-emission locomotive will reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by more than 30 tons per year, thus significantly reducing the agency’s greenhouse gas footprint and greatly improving air quality in the region. Funds programmed in 2022 will finance engineering and design services for yard facilities to prepare for the new technology.
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 $15,750,000 $0 $0 $15,750,000

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$154,893,855
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
Metra put the bid on the street in May 2022 and was awarded to Stadler US, Inc. during this reporting period. The contract consists of eight trainsets for the base order. If Metra chooses to purchase additional trainsets, it can purchase up to eight (8) additional two-car battery powered self-propelled trainsets. In addition, Metra can also order up to 16 trailer cars with toilets and up to 16 trailer cars without toilets.

Last Updated 06.10.2024

+ Zero-Emissions Trainsets Rolling Stock Rail $0 $78,604,137 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Metra's investment in innovative, cleaner energy locomotives will be funded in part by this project which will procure multiple-unit car that produce zero mobile emissions. This multi-year, multi-phase project will acquire battery-electric trainsets. Metra will be among the first passenger rail transit agencies to purchase and operate self-propelled trainsets that will not require the construction and maintenance of wayside power. Metra estimates that replacing one old diesel locomotive with a zero-emission locomotive will reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by more than 30 tons per year, thus significantly reducing the agency’s greenhouse gas footprint and greatly improving air quality in the region.
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 $29,024,137 $29,024,137
State $0 $0 $49,580,000 $49,580,000
RTA $0 $0 $0 $0
Service Board / Local $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $0 $0 $78,604,137 $78,604,137

PMO:

Total Project Budget^ Budget Status Schedule Status Start Date End Date
$15,000,000
On Budget
On Schedule

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

Current Status
Metra put the bid on the street in May 2022 and Metra continues to work on the procurement activities for this project.

Last Updated 12.14.2023