06 Action
Why this is important
The RTA and Service Boards are now advancing the regional capital strategy program to better integrate other regional planning processes, respond to legislative mandates, consider input from stakeholders, and advance disinvestment in communities.
Updates
Number of new themes the RTA will use to evaluate capital projects beginning with the 2024-2028 Capital Program
Input from stakeholder working groups
The stakeholder working groups have pushed for a more regional approach in funding equitable capital improvements that prioritize communities of the greatest need by increasing diverse staff and including those communities in the decision-making process. Working groups also pushed for investing in good repair advancements across the system. Working groups stressed the importance of transparency through the selection and evaluation of projects selected for the capital program.
What we as a region could do with more resources
With more resources, the Service Boards could expand staff resources to improve asset management and evaluation strategies while also continuing to replace and modernize more transit infrastructure across the region.
Implementation Activities
Shared Activities
The agencies will work together to apply the 12 new capital program evaluation measures to the 2023 annual budget process, recommended by the Priority Project working group–including equity, mobility justice, and other measures.
RTA
Evaluate the capital program across 12 measures as described in Shared Activities.
Utilize the new capital program dataset and evaluation measures to advance equity projects and identify current gaps in investment.
CTA
Advance Red Line extension project through federal New Starts funding process.
Metra
Continue to advance equity geography as a priority for investment.
Pace
Provide information about 12 capital program evaluation measures starting with the 2024 budget commencement process.
CMAP
Identify the relationship between transit investment and community reinvestment.
Rethink the region’s Regionally Significant Project evaluation process and connect Economically Disconnected Area parameters with capital program measures used across the agencies.