Project Management Oversight (PMO) Capital Projects
The RTA is responsible for ensuring that the Service Boards are spending capital funds and managing their capital projects effectively and efficiently. The RTA conducts periodic project reviews with Service Board project managers to ensure that capital projects are being implemented according to scope, on schedule, within budget and according to established project management guidelines.
Each project listed below is being actively monitored by RTA’s PMO team. Reporting data is provided that includes, Project Start Date, Project End Date, Budget Status, Schedule Status and Current Activities. These projects are also part of the overall Regional Capital Program which can be viewed separately here.
PMO also produces semi-annual reports that cover all projects that are being monitored. These reports can be found on the Project Management Oversight site. The latest report is the December 2024 Project Management Oversight report.
| Agency | Project Title | Asset Category | Mode | 2025 Funding | 2025-2029 Funding | Status | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| + | CTA | Replace Buses - Options to Purchase Up To 500 of 1,030 | Rolling Stock | Bus | $73,514,103 | $74,570,219 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
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.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
As of July 2024, all 300 buses from the base order, Option 1 and Option 2 have been delivered and placed in service. Under Option 3, 90 buses have been delivered. CTA has also exercised Option 4 and 5 for an additional 200 buses. Option 4 has 80 buses built and ready for delivery with the final delivery in March 2025. Option 5 is the final option of this project.
Last Updated 12.19.2024 |
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| + | Metra | Zero-Emissions Trainsets | Rolling Stock | Rail | $45,024,137 | $221,900,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
Metra's investment in innovative, cleaner energy locomotives will be funded in part by this project which will procure multiple-unit railcar trainsets that produce zero mobile emissions. This multi-year, multi-phase project will acquire battery-electric trainsets. Metra seeks to 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 oxide (NOx) emissions by more than 30 tons per year. This project will significantly reduce emissions, improve local air quality, greatly reduce operational costs, and lower maintenance costs.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^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 03.27.2025 |
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| + | Pace | Fixed Route Electric Buses | Rolling Stock | Bus | $36,000,018 | $173,949,056 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
Replacement battery-electric buses including associated equipment (cameras, destination signs, etc.) and services (Buy America audit and inspections) for fixed route services operating systemwide.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
The contract was executed, and the vendor originally provided Pace with an updated production schedule due to previous supply chain issues and long lead time items. However, the vendor was bought out by a new company, Phoenix Cars, LLC. Since the change, Phoenix has provided Pace with an updated delivery schedule and Pace will start to receive vehicles in early 2025.
Last Updated 03.27.2025 |
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| + | Metra | Program Management | Contingencies and Administration | Rail | $34,806,375 | $123,441,392 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project will fund the professional services necessary to deliver capital projects. Project activities may include but are not limited to funding studies, concept design, developing new business tools and processes, professional services under the Project Management Oversight (PMO) contract, and the procurement of software. Historic levels of capital funding necessitate additional program management capacity.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
The project management oversight contract was awarded to WSP. WSP and Metra staff are working through the process to support delivery of Metra’s Capital Program. Purchase Order Releases have been approved and work is in progress on various capital projects. The project budget increased from newly Pre-Awarded 2024 FTA funds.
Last Updated 12.19.2024 |
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| + | CTA | Purchase Rail Cars - 7000 Series (Base Order 400) | Rolling Stock | Rail | $30,334,196 | $30,334,196 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
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.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^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 12.19.2024 |
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| + | Metra | Van Buren St. Station | Stations & Passenger Facilities | Rail | $24,485,250 | $24,485,250 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
A complete renovation of the downtown Chicago terminal station will rehabilitate the existing historic waiting rooms, replace the roof assembly while maintaining the green roof, and will replace the pedestrian tunnel in the park. A new 'pop-up' entrance in Grant Park will add a new access stair case and elevator and add an ADA-compliant ramp connecting to the pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian tunnel under Michigan Ave will be waterproofed and a new elevator will be added to the Jackson Blvd platform. The scope of work includes rehabilitation of the stair enclosures and elevator west of Michigan Avenue, replacement of the platforms, new full-length platform canopies, heated warming shelters, construction of a new vendor space at lower level, and all new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing throughout the station.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
Metra awarded the consultant contract for station concept design. The concept design is at 15% completion and on hold pending completion of lakefront ordinance protection, NEPA, and environmental processes. Documents are being prepared to be submitted for lakefront ordinance for approval. Environmental and NEPA work is ongoing. The Memorandum of Understanding was completed during this reporting period. There was a solicitation for a new LIQ blanket for design services to get the design from 10% to 30% and then a separate solicitation from 30% to 100%. The design is expected to be completed in the beginning of 2027.
Last Updated 03.27.2025 |
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| + | Metra | Smart Gates | Electrical, Signal & Communications | Rail | $22,000,000 | $24,000,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project involves upgrades to protected grade crossings to improve the safety and reliability of grade crossing protections. Metra has approximately 300 active grade crossings with warning devices. This project will fund upgrades of circuitry at these grade crossings to the latest technology. Metra will install monitors to check the condition of the grade crossing protection system. When a monitor detects an anomaly, the system will send a notice to the back office and dispatch a signal maintainer to perform repairs. PTC Wireless crossings are being added to the scope in 2025 and beyond.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
Metra has executed a contract with a software vendor. Currently, there are 14 locations being updated with remote monitoring. The software vendor is also working on the user interface. The software was developed and is working in a lab environment. The construction and hardware installation at grade crossings is ongoing.
Last Updated 12.19.2024 |
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| + | Pace | River Division Electrification/Expansion | Support Facilities & Equipment | Bus | $20,250,000 | $82,040,000 | Behind Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
Renovation of River Division located in Elgin, more than doubling the garage’s current capacity, including office space and installation of charging capabilities for electric buses.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
Pace has entered into a contract for Architectural and Engineering services for pre-design and design services. The contractor completed the pre-design activities, and final pre-design report was submitted to Pace. The adjacent property acquisition has been completed. Pace has completed a Change Order to the design contract to include additional scope for the electrification component. The design activities with the additional scope for electrification have restarted in April and continued this reporting period. The 30% design is expected to be completed by Spring time in 2025.
Last Updated 12.19.2024 |
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| + | CTA | Forest Park: Phase 1 - Racine Station and Morgan Substation & Hermitage Traction Power Improvements | Track & Structure | Rail | $15,929,073 | $15,929,073 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The CTA's Forest Park Blue Line Upgrades Project is the first of four phases of the Forest Park Branch. This project will provide for new trackwork from Halsted to IMD, an accessible station at Racine, advanced utility work, and a new substation and traction power equipment upgrades at Hermitage. This work will enhance service quality via speed, reliability, and comfort, and improve operational efficiency on the Forest Park Branch of CTA's rapid transit Blue Line service.
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
The contractor completed the heavy mobilization at the project site. The construction activities are ongoing. The contractor continues to work for necessary permits related to drilling and directional bores for the project. A weekend-single track linecut is scheduled for end of September with backup in the first weekend of October. Work in the linecut will include working on Morgan substation and Racine Stationhouse at bridge level, complete forming the deck for the platform extension, detailing the bridge, rebar replacement, pouring the bridge deck concrete for the station house, and miscellaneous steel work.
Last Updated 03.27.2025 |
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| + | Metra | Ties & Ballast UPR | Track & Structure | Rail | $12,000,000 | $13,000,000 | On Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
Metra’s Union Pacific North (UP-N) Line will undergo significant rehabilitation in 2022. Union Pacific Railroad’s crews will replace ties, clean or replace ballast, and replace switch components on the northern extents of the UP-N Line. This project improves the riding quality of the trains and reduces the incidence of slow orders, which can impact the ability to maintain on-time performance. Metra provides funds to improve the track along the UP-N Line and other lines and yard facilities owned by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Capital Evaluation Metrics
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Funding Amounts by Source
PMO:
^Total Project Budget is the project budget being tracked by the RTA PMO Group Current Status
Metra coordinated efforts with UP Forces for work on the Kenosha Sub track 1 & 2 related to replacing and cleaning ties, replacement of ballast, as well as switch components from Mile Post (MP) 8.5 to MP 52.1. This work is 40% complete. Work continues and additional locations were added to the project. Kenosha ties work to follow Harvard MP .75 to MP 62. Union Pacific forces continue working and are 50% complete.
Last Updated 12.19.2024 |
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