Planning Programs and Projects

This project included RTA funding to complete Phase II Engineering for ADA compliant bus stop pads at over 50 locations in Evanston. 

This project will construct bicycle and pedestrian improvements along two corridors in the community: an east-west bicycle route and a north-south pedestrian route that connect the Village’s two Metra stations and three Pace Bus routes to its three industrial areas. Improvements to the bike network will include the installation of eight-foot multi-use paths, on road sharrows, on road dedicated bike lanes, and installation of new signage and path widening along existing paths. The proposed sidewalk improvements on 25th Avenue will provide safe connections from the downtown train stations to the southern industrial area without forcing pedestrians to navigate gaps in the sidewalk network. Employees taking the Pace 303 bus will also benefit from these improvements.

The RTA partnered with the Village of La Grange to update their previous transit-oriented development plan adopted in 2005. By updating this plan, the Village addressed current construction market dynamics,  changes in the retail industry, and changing commuting habits to poise the community to take advantage of future redevelopment opportunities. In particular, the Village was able to identify strategies to invite redevelopment on the West End, which has seen limited development since 2005.  The study area encompassed the Central Business District of La Grange, the West End Business District, and other properties within less than one quarter mile from each Metra Station in La Grange. The TOD update was encompassed within the La Grange Forward Comprehensive Plan.

This project completed Phase I engineering necessary for future pedestrian access improvements along US Rte. 14, IL Route. 173, Marengo Road, and Ayer Street. The future improvements will include new sidewalks, ADA improvements, crosswalks, and a Pace Bus shelter. These improvements will better connect residents to the Harvard Metra Station and the Pace Bus Route 808.

This project will construct a new off-road shared-use path on the north side of Central Road from the existing Paul Douglas Forest Preserve path system to the Pace Park-n-Ride at Barrington Road. The path will be 10 feet wide located generally along the right of way on the north side of Central Road. Destination and distance signing along with traffic controls for intersection and driveway crossings are included. Signal upgrades and modifications at the Central Road / Huntington Boulevard intersection will be made for bicycle and pedestrian users.

The RTA assisted the Village of Homewood to prepare a transit-oriented development plan for downtown Homewood and areas surrounding the Homewood Metra and Amtrak station. Leveraging the ongoing station renovations, the goals of the planning study included identifying strategies to attract investment and development, retaining existing character/historic preservation, and increasing access to transit services in the downtown. With a locally-driven planning vision, the plan presents strategies and projects to foster Downtown population growth, identify new uses for vacant buildings, increase transit ridership, and increase the number of people visiting and spending time in Downtown Homewood. 

The Ride in Kane project coordinates dial-a-ride services in Kane County for older adults and persons with disabilities. The sponsors of this project include multiple private non-profit organizations and local units of government. The award includes funding to support a position to lead mobility management efforts for Ride in Kane. This is an existing Section 5310 funded project.

Kendall Area Transit will use capital funding to install cameras on the vehicles. The ridership is largely elderly and disabled, which is a vulnerable population. Introducing cameras on the vehicles will increase the safety and monitoring of KAT riders.

Kendall Area Transit is a demand responsive dial-a-ride service that serves primarily senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the urban portions of Kendall County. The service is also open to general public. Service is provided Monday-Friday from 6:00 AM -7:00 PM except certain holidays. The award includes the funding for Mobility Management.

Kendall Area Transit is a demand responsive dial-a-ride service that serves primarily senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the urban portions of Kendall County. The service is also open to general public. Service is provided Monday-Friday from 6:00 AM -7:00 PM except certain holidays. Operating portion of the award. This is an existing program.