05 Action
Why this is important
RTA analysis shows that emissions from public transit vehicles make up less than 2% of total transportation emissions in the region, therefore, transit plays an instrumental role in advancing sustainability by reducing the need to drive. The Service Boards are committed to exploring clean technology and transitioning all our fleet by 2040 to become a zero-emission regional transit system. Decreasing the environmental footprint of transit and reducing single occupancy vehicle travel is essential in moving toward a more sustainable network and aiding the climate crisis.
Updates
Chicago’s transit system is winning competitive grants and advancing critical projects
March 12, 2024
RTA leads regional application for $375 million to transform transit and fight climate change
April 11, 2024
Input from stakeholder working groups
Stakeholder working groups are urgently pushing for electrification of bus fleets and improved coordination in adoption of green transit technologies. Working groups suggest improving planning efforts to fortify the regional network against climate and other barriers such as infrastructure emergencies and labor shortages. Lastly, working groups recommend established funding or incentive programs to implement green infrastructure near our region’s transit
What we as a region could do with more resources
With more resources and funding, the agencies could transition their fleets quicker and more thoroughly. Additionally, more resources would allow for other energy-efficient updates to be made to transit stations and facilities. With resources, the agencies can improve the resiliency of the systems and buffer the effects of climate change.
Implementation Activities
Shared Activities
The agencies will work together to develop a regional climate action plan that builds upon existing Service Board plans. This includes outlining regional strategies to encourage more people to ride transit, identify opportunities to support climate goals, and reduce the carbon footprint of the transit system.RTA
Lead development of climate action plan described in Shared Activities.
Expand Transit Benefit programs across the region to grow regional transit mode share.
CTA
Continue to implement recommendations in Charging Forward electrification plan.
Advance electric bus deployment and charging capacity on the #66 Chicago Avenue route.
Continue electrical load study to determine power requirements and electrical infrastructure needed for charging at bus garages.
Pursue additional funding for planning, design, and implementation of bus facility improvements to support new electrification infrastructure and maintenance.
Metra
Procure zero emission train sets of integrated locomotives and powered cards for shorter distance operations.
Procure fully electric switch locomotives.
Pace
Complete electric vehicle transition plan.
Continue procurement of electric vehicles for service testing.
Convert Waukegan’s North Division garage to an electrified facility.
CMAP
Accelerate greenhouse gas planning efforts.
Opportunities for electrification through CMAP-administered funding programs.