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 Sort descending 10 Year Unfunded Need
+ Pace 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.
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
$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.

Last Updated 09.25.2024

+ Mobility as a Service Software Support Facilities & Equipment Bus $0 $0

Project Details

Description
Purchase of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) software
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 $2,398,000 $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.
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 $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).
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 $2,250,000 $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.
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 $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.
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 $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.
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 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.
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 $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.
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 $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.
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
$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).
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
$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.

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ Purchase 40' Low-Floor CNG Buses Rolling Stock Bus $0 $0 ✔︎

Project Details

Description
Pace will purchase 40FT CNG 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 $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.
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 $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.
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 $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.
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 $13,212,750 $0 $0 $13,212,750

Last Updated 12.14.2023

+ 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 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.
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 $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.
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 $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 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.

Last Updated 12.14.2023