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.
Purchase Rail Cars - 7000' Series (Base Order 400) - Program funds will provide for the continued cash needs and obligation provisions as identified in the contract documents for the 7000' series rail car Base contract order of 400 cars.
*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
$46,950,715
$15,334,196
$62,284,911
State
$0
$0
$0
$0
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$15,000,000
$0
$15,000,000
Total
$99,186,582
$61,950,715
$15,334,196
$176,471,493
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$713,703,634
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
Status conferences continued with CRRC to address/track various items. Production deliveries continued during this reporting period. CTA inspection personnel continue working in China and continue to conduct welded subassembly checks and production car body shell inspections for production cars. There are approximately 90 car body shells in various states of assembly or being delivered to Chicago. Final assembly continues on 36 cars in the US and final inspections on 12 cars were underway at the Skokie Shops. CTA has accepted 88 of the cars thus far for revenue service.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
Purchase Rail Cars - 7000 Series Options
Rolling Stock
Rail
$15,371,956
$121,572,827
Project Details
Description
Provides for initial cash needs and obligation anticipated for the Option(s) order to procure up to an additional 256 new 7000' series rail cars.
*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
$15,371,956
$68,134,098
$83,506,054
State
$0
$0
$38,066,773
$38,066,773
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$0
$15,371,956
$106,200,871
$121,572,827
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Purchase Rail Cars - 9000 Series
Rolling Stock
Rail
$110,493,337
$211,711,351
Project Details
Description
Funding to acquire new 9000-Series rail cars, CTA anticipates the contract will consist of a Base Order to purchase 300 cars and option(s) for an additional 246 cars.
*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
$103,093,337
$80,688,996
$183,782,333
State
$0
$7,400,000
$20,529,018
$27,929,018
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$101,506,663
$110,493,337
$101,218,014
$313,218,014
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
CTA
Red Line Extension
Rail
$783,389,336
$1,140,280,974
$3,947,956,700
$2,807,675,726
Extension of the Red Line from 95th Street to 130th Street
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Red Line Extension
Extension
Rail
$783,389,336
$1,140,280,974
Project Details
Description
The Red Line Extension project extends south end of line 5.6 miles and will include four new, fully accessible stations at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue, and 130th Street. Provides for a share of funding necessary to advance from the engineering to construction phase of project schedule to start in early 2025.
*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
$30,000,000
$100,000,000
$130,000,000
State
$0
$25,000,000
$256,891,638
$281,891,638
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$728,389,336
$0
$728,389,336
Total
$0
$783,389,336
$356,891,638
$1,140,280,974
Last Updated 12.14.2023
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Red Line Extension - Planning, Preliminary Engineering
Extension
Rail
$0
$0
Project Details
Description
Red Line Extension Planning, Preliminary EngineeringFunds will provide for planning, program management, and preliminary engineering services for the anticipated extension of the south leg of the Red Line. Funding will allow for the CTA to continue project work through the Project Development phase where the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Preliminary Engineering for the project will be completed. CIP also provides the 30% non-Capital Improvement Grant match ($310M) commitment needed to successfully complete Project Development.
*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
$60,240,816
$0
$0
$60,240,816
Last Updated 12.16.2022
+
CTA
Red Line Improvements
Rail
$0
$0
$396,400,000
$396,400,000
Upgrades and State of Good Repair projects along the Red Line
+
CTA
Red Purple Modernization
Rail
$0
$0
$5,956,152,265
$5,956,152,265
Advancement of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program, the largest line rebuild and capital improvement project in CTA history
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Red/Purple Modernization - Phase 1
Modernization
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
North Main Line - RPM The purpose of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program is to expand capacity to meet growing ridership demand; reduce travel times; improve access to job markets and destinations; better utilize existing transit infrastructure; bring the existing infrastructure to a state of good repair; and improve access to the system for patrons with disabilities. FY2021-2025 funds will continue RPM Phase One funding stream.Red Purple Modernization phase one project consists the following interrelated and concurrent projects, as defined in the environmental documents to be developed by the CTA:RED-PURPLE BYPASS PROJECT. This element would construct a fifth track bypass flyover immediately north of the CTA Belmont Station to separate northbound Brown Line trains that currently conflict with southbound Purple Line trains and both northbound and southbound Red Line trains. This project includes construction of a new fifth track bypass flyover and replacement or renovation of approximately 0.3 mile of associated mainline track.LAWRENCE TO BRYN MAWR MODERNIZATION PROJECT. This modernization project would replace 1.3 miles of the existing rail line from Leland Avenue on the south to approximately Ardmore Avenue on the north. This section of track includes four stations - Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr. The project would expand and modernize these four stations. The project would also provide ADA access to transit customers with disabilities in a two-mile stretch of the north Red Line that currently does not have accessible stations.CORRIDOR SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS. This project would improve the signal system and special trackwork generally between Belmont and Loyola stations. Improvements would occur within CTA's existing right-of-way. The scope of work includes planning, design, procurement, and installation of wayside equipment and special trackwork that are significantly past their useful lives. This project also includes improvements to existing special trackwork.CONTINUED INTERIM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. This project would improve track infrastructure conditions between Belmont Station and Linden Station in order to maintain service along existing rail lines. This work would take place within the CTA's existing right-of-way.
*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
$344,847,735
$0
$0
$344,847,735
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$2,203,408,226
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The Corridor Signal Improvements (CSI) project monitored the track circuit in the LBMM Stage B area and resumed installing brackets and messenger cables along embankment walls north of Thorndale. Additionally, innerduct installation for the communications network backbone continued. The Red Purple Modernization (RPM) project removed the old Clark Relay House, addressed signal testing discrepancies, and prepared for factory tests of new signal equipment. The Jarvis Relay Room began mechanical, electrical, and fire suppression improvements. The Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization (LBMM) completed significant structural work, including embankment excavation, retaining wall removal, and concrete deck pours for the Ardmore transition bridge. Drilling caissons and constructing concrete piers for the elevated structure progressed, and foundational work for the Bryn Mawr station began, alongside steel erection for the platform and escalator/elevator trusses. The
Last Updated 06.10.2024
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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
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CTA
Replacement Bus Purchase (1000 Series) - 600 Clean Diesel Buses
Bus
$38,878,238
$107,050,060
$176,016,315
$68,966,255
Replace 600 of the 1000 Series Buses that have now been in service 15 yrs plus and are now due replacement.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Replace Buses - Options to Purchase Up To 500 of 1,030
Rolling Stock
Bus
$38,878,238
$107,050,060
✔︎
Project Details
Description
The scope of this project will provide for the engineering, purchase, and inspection of fully accessible, air conditioned Clean Diesel buses; including a spare parts inventory. Engineering includes: development of specifications, pre-bid engineering meetings, onsite inspections of prospective bidders and/or their vendors’ plants, inspection of buses during production and acceptance of vehicles after delivery. 5 Year funds will continue funding stream for the Option(s) to replace up to 500 additional buses. Option(s) to the Base (100) contract order consist of up to an additional 500 buses that will initiate multiple orders to replace the 1000 Series New Flyer buses that have been in service since FY 2006.
*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
$15,942,638
$65,295,062
$81,237,700
State
$0
$22,935,600
$2,876,760
$25,812,360
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$148,301,069
$38,878,238
$68,171,822
$255,351,129
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$449,623,251
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
As of May 2024, all 300 buses from the base order, Option 1 and Option 2 have been delivered and placed in service. Under Option 3, 42 buses have been delivered. CTA has also exercised Option 4 and 5 for an additional 200 buses.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
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CTA
Replacement Bus Purchase (4300 series) - Electric Buses
Rail
$0
$0
$140,000,000
$140,000,000
Ongoing need to replace diesel articulated buses as they age with electric buses.
+
CTA
Replacement Bus Purchase 1000 Series - 430 Electric Buses
Bus
$2,600,000
$2,600,000
$459,358,312
$456,758,312
Replace 430 of the 1000 Series Buses, with electric buses, that have now been in service 15 yrs plus and are now due replacement.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Purchase up to 6 Electric Buses with Charging Systems
Rolling Stock
Bus
$2,600,000
$2,600,000
Project Details
Description
Bus funding provides for a future order of up to six 40-foot battery-powered, zero-emission, all-electric, fully accessible, public transit buses with en-route charging capabilities. CTA will retire up to six 1000-Series New Flyer buses that are over 14 years old. Turnkey project to procure Electric buses and associated charging infrastructure.
*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
$2,600,000
$0
$2,600,000
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$3,496,667
$2,600,000
$0
$6,096,667
Last Updated 12.14.2023
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Purchase up to 70 Electric Buses and up to 9 Charging Stations
Rolling Stock
Bus
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Purchase up to 70 Electric Buses and up to nine Chargers - Bus funding provides for a future order of up to 70 40-foot battery-powered, zero-emission, all-electric, fully accessible, public transit buses with en-route charging capabilities. CTA will retire up to 70 1000-Series New Flyer buses that are over 14 years old. Turnkey project to procure Electric buses and associated charging infrastructure.
*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
$71,991,905
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The charging stations were received and installed and reached substantial completion in January 2021. In Q4-2021, seventeen (17) production buses were completed and delivered to CTA. The installation of revenue fare collection systems, communication equipment, network systems were completed in Q2-2022. A total of twenty-three (23) buses were delivered. Nineteen (19) are in service and four are being used at the 74th Garage for operator training. CTA previously exercised an option for an additional twenty-two (22) buses. CTA’s Infrastructure department continued working with Bus Engineering to finalize the budget breakdown and scope for the 103rd Garage. Pre-production activities continued where production is expected to start in June 2025 and delivery of the first vehicle is expected by the end of 2025.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
CTA
Replacement Buses (4000 Series) - Electric Buses
Bus
$0
$183,375,355
$263,332,432
$79,957,077
Replace 208 Articulated Buses due replacement in 2023. Priced at FY 2021 Articulated e-bus @1.4M. Ongoing need to replace buses as they age.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
Purchase Articulated Electric Buses and Charging Equipment
Rolling Stock
Bus
$0
$183,375,355
Project Details
Description
Funding will provide for a new procurement intended to replace 208 articulated 4000-Series buses with the equivalent number of electric 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
$158,558,869
$158,558,869
State
$0
$0
$24,816,486
$24,816,486
RTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Service Board / Local
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total
$29,336,647
$0
$183,375,355
$212,712,002
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Metra
Rock Island Intercity Improvements (RI3)
Rail
$0
$13,500,000
$971,250,000
$957,750,000
Infrastructure improvements to support enhance service, additional capacity, rerouting the SWS and Amtrak trains bound for St. Louis and Texas.
Project Title
Asset Category
Mode
2024 Funding
2024-2028 Funding
PMO
+
CREATE - P2 Rock Island District Connection
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
This project will provide engineering for the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (CIP) that will relieve rail congestion by separating freight and passenger rail lines. Bottlenecks will be eliminated, and train idling will be reduced.
*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
$23,000,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
This project is currently in design. The 60% design has been completed. Design development activities continue to progress to 90% design. Procurement process for Rightof- Way acquisition is ongoing.
Last Updated 12.14.2023
+
Rock Island Connection and 3rd track
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$0
✔︎
Project Details
Description
Establish a new 3rd main on the Rock Island Line. The project study limits shall be from MP 0.0 (LaSalle Station) to MP 10.5 (Gresham Jct.). The new 3rd main is anticipated to extend from the new 16th Interlocking at MP 1.0 presently in design to the new CREATE P2 Interlocking at CP 74th. It is also anticpated that a new crossover will be required at Gresham to faciliate train movement into and out of the new 3rd main.
*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
$11,300,000
$0
$0
$11,300,000
PMO:
Total Project Budget^
Budget Status
Schedule Status
Start Date
End Date
$11,300,000
On Budget
On Schedule
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group
Current Status
The preliminary engineering for this project has started. The NEPA Scopeof- Work (SOW) was advertised in October 2022. Survey work started first week of October 2022. NEPA activities are progressing.
Last Updated 06.10.2024
+
Rock Island Intercity Improvements (RI3)
Track & Structure
Rail
$0
$13,500,000
Project Details
Description
This project will establish a new 3rd main line track on the Rock Island (RI) Line and various improvements between the LaSalle Street and Joliet terminals. The new 3rd main line track is anticipated to extend from the new 16th Interlocking at MP 1.0 to the new CREATE P2 Interlocking at CP 74th. The project may include but is not limited to new crossovers, the rehabilitation of bridges, reconstruction of retaining walls, modifications to existing stations, and other improvements to facilitate train movements onto the new 3rd main line track. This project may also include the extension of the 49th Street Yard, new yard facilities, and other improvements to increase the capacity of operations at the 49th Street Yard. Additional improvements include signaling and grade crossing improvements from Gresham to Joliet as well as an improved Joliet station platform for Metra and Amtrak use.
*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.
