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.
Security, Computer, Software, and Office Systems Upgrades
Bus
$2,513,505
$10,513,505
$31,936,495
$21,422,990
Upgrade systems to provide enhanced asset protection and business systems
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Computer Systems - Hardware & Software
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Computer Systems/Hardware & Software - Projects in 2021 include upgrades, licenses, and training for Hastus route-scheduling software, RideCheck ridership data software, ArcGIS software, and the Pace website. Procurement of digital screens for the interior of buses is also included.
*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
$1,100,000
On Budget
Behind Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
This project is underway, and Pace executed a contract for redesigning Pace’s website. Activity continued with bids being evaluated for the procurement of onboard digital screens for the interior of the buses and the contract execution is expected in the next reporting period. Additional tasks will be added throughout the duration of this 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
$0
$0
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$2,398,000
$0
$0
$2,398,000
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Onboard Digital Screens
Support Facilities & Equipment
Bus
$2,513,505
$10,513,505
Project Details
Description
Purchase and install digital screens inside existing buses to display passenger information, such as next-stop announcements, detour notices, and passenger notices.
*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
$2,513,505
$8,000,000
$10,513,505
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$1,963,505
$2,513,505
$8,000,000
$12,477,010
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Pace
IBS Replacement & Onboard Digital Screens
Bus
$0
$0
$32,150,000
$32,150,000
Equipment for bus tracking, communications, and data
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 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).
*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
$2,250,000
$0
$0
$2,250,000
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
Regional Transit Signal Priority (RTSP)
Bus
$2,520,000
$2,520,000
$34,685,929
$32,165,929
Expand Transit Signal Priority installations region-wide
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Transit Signal Priority (TSP)
Electrical, Signal & Communications
Bus
$2,520,000
$2,520,000
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Transit Signal Priority Integration - TSP implementation along priority corridors as part of the Regional Transit Signal Priority Implementation Program. Pace plans to deploy TSP along nine additional corridors at approximately 300 signalized intersections. The corridors include: 159th Street, Sibley Boulevard/147th Street, Roosevelt Road, Cicero Avenue, 95th Street, Grand Avenue (Lake County), Cermak Road, I-90 Transit Corridor Access Intersections and Halsted Street. This form represents the portion of the project funded with PAYGO in 2024. Years 2021-2023 of TSP related projects are funded with ICE funds as shown in Exhibit I.
*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
$2,520,000
$0
$2,520,000
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$4,314,071
$2,520,000
$0
$6,834,071
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$14,031,402
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The vendor received the permit to implement TSP system along 58 signalized intersections of Dempster Street from IDOT. TSP data and operations monitoring continued on Dempster Avenue, testing and TST data analysis continued on Grand Ave. as well as Roosevelt Road. TSP deployment was completed at 147th Street and 95th Street where the vendor continues testing. Cicero Ave. has TSP installation ongoing. The contractor is working on permit acquisitions for Cermak, Rand Road, and 159th.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
CTA
Farebox System
System
$23,811,109
$23,811,109
$35,301,259
$11,490,150
The new farebox system will replace the current 37-year-old obsolete system and associated infrastructure with a modern bus farebox collection process.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Farebox Replacement
Support Facilities & Equipment
System
$23,811,109
$23,811,109
Project Details
Description
The new Farebox system will reduce in-service defects, improve network security by upgrading the data reporting system, reduce counterfeit bill transactions, and improve the efficiency of portable farebox operations for special events, while providing a more accurate location and complete ridership data picture of cash- paying customers.
*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
$23,811,109
$0
$23,811,109
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$6,154,321
$23,811,109
$0
$29,965,430
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
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.
*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.
*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
Fixed Route Buses - Replacement
Bus
$36,370,000
$36,370,000
$36,400,000
$30,000
Replacement of buses reaching useful life (CNG and OTR Coach)
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Fixed Route CNG Buses
Rolling Stock
Bus
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Replacement CNG buses - Pace plans to replace 115 diesel buses with 40' Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses including any associated equipment (cameras, destination signs, etc.) and services (Buy America audit and inspections) for the future Northwest Division garage in Wheeling, currently being designed as a CNG fueling facility.
*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
$28,050,000
$0
$0
$28,050,000
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
Fixed Route Hybrid Buses
Rolling Stock
Bus
$36,370,000
$36,370,000
Project Details
Description
Replace thirty-three 30-foot buses (31 diesel and 2 diesel-electric hybrid) with thirty-three 35-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses at Pace’s Fox Valley operating division and municipal contract facilities in Highland Park and Niles. This funding will allow Pace to transition to low-emission, cleaner vehicles, while the agency continues facility upgrades to accommodate ZEBs as part of the agency’s goal of operating a 100% ZEB fleet by 2040. The grant funding will also be used to invest in training operators, support staff, and mechanics on the hybrid bus fleet.
*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
$30,911,000
$0
$30,911,000
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$5,459,000
$0
$5,459,000
Total
$0
$36,370,000
$0
$36,370,000
Last Updated 09.25.2024
+
Purchase 30' Diesel Buses
Rolling Stock
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
This project is a new contract awarded in September 2019 for a new five?yearindefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for 30’ low floor diesel buses. Theminimum quantity to be purchased under this contract is 67 buses and the totalnumber of buses procured will not exceed the maximum amount of 164.
*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
$80,261,908
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
A total of 67 buses have been ordered to date. The first order consisted of 23 buses, all of which are in service. These were delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis. The second order consisted of 44 buses. All of the buses under the second order were received, with the final bus delivered in February 2023. The buses service the areas currently serviced by Fox Valley and Batavia. Pace will not pursue purchasing anymore buses under this contract. This will be the final update on this project.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Purchase 40' Diesel Buses
Rolling Stock
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Replacement diesel buses (40') - Pace plans to replace 78 diesel 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
$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
$41,786,531
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Pace placed an order for the delivery of a total of 85 buses. To date, all 85 buses have been received and are in service. The buses are expected to service the routes currently serviced by West Division. This will be the final update on this 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
$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
$75,896,625
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Pace awarded a new contract for the purchase of additional vehicles in March 2022. The first order was a quantity of 47 CNG buses. The production of these vehicles has been put on hold during this reporting period. A portion of these vehicles will be utilized at the Northwest Wheeling Garage, which is an ongoing project. As Pace establishes a construction schedule for the Wheeling Garage, a production scheduled will be developed for the order of 47 buses. Pace may reevaluate purchasing CNG buses vs electric buses as well.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
CTA
Administration - CTA
System
$8,392,961
$42,553,612
$55,000,000
$12,446,388
CTA's administrative projects
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Office Building Principle and Interest
Contingencies and Administration
System
$6,186,525
$30,938,800
Project Details
Description
The scope of this project will provide for capitalized lease payments for the new administration building, and improvements and upgrades to existing facilities and associated elements throughout the system.
*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
$6,186,525
$24,752,275
$30,938,800
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$12,375,631
$6,186,525
$24,752,275
$43,314,431
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Support Services
Contingencies and Administration
System
$2,206,436
$11,614,812
Project Details
Description
Funding will provide for Project Administration for the program of projects. Supports a variety of tasks necessary to administer the project that include, but are not limited to, ensuring that quarterly and milestone progress reports are submitted on time, ensuring that sufficient funds are available for approved projects, reviewing and approving invoices for payment, submitting approved invoices for reimbursement, identifying and cataloging agency assets, preparing financial statements, and ensuring that approved projects meet expenditure goals established for the participation of DBEs.
*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
$2,206,436
$9,408,376
$11,614,812
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$7,537,681
$2,206,436
$9,408,376
$19,152,493
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
CTA
Radio System Upgrade
Rail
$0
$0
$64,500,000
$64,500,000
Replacement of obsolete radio system
+
CTA
Program Management
System
$0
$0
$66,064,000
$66,064,000
Provide for Program Management
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Program Management
Contingencies and Administration
System
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Professional services to manage implementation of the CTA's Capital Construction Program. Funds provide for a construction program management consultant.
*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.
Improvements to Transportation and Transfer Facilities
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 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.
*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
$30,850,000
$0
$0
$30,850,000
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.
*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
$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.
*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
$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.