Planning Programs and Projects

The RTA is assisting the Village of Maywood to amend the Village’s Zoning Code in the downtown area as recommended in the Maywood TOD Plan Update, completed through the RTA’s Community Planning program in 2020. Code updates will foster the type of development envisioned in the plan, address current parking in downtown Maywood, and respond to the historic nature of the area. The project’s focus area includes Lake Street and 5th Avenue.

The RTA will assist the Village with updating the zoning code in the southeast portion of the Village, from South Claire Boulevard to the Robbins Metra station. Code updates will allow the Village to realize the type of development envisioned in the Robbins TOD and Industrial Areas Plan, completed with support from the RTA and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

This project will create various pedestrian and access improvements to and around the Aurora Transportation Center including entrance modifications at the intersection of Spring Street and the creation of a Kiss and Ride area for passenger drop off. Other improvements include the installation of real time message boards on the platform to indicate train departure/arrival time and track location, installation of bike shelters on the east side of the Metra tracks and at the existing bike racks located along the west side of the platform, and installation of decorative monument signs at the Spring Street and Broadway Avenue entrances. Finally, four commuter transit shelters with heaters will be installed on the platforms and bike lanes along Spring Street, running east and west will be installed to improve access for people using bicycles to access the station.

This project will construct access improvements along Irving Avenue adjacent to the Vermont Street Metra station to improve the safety for people walking and biking to the station. Irving Avenue will be reconfigured and reconstructed between New Street and Vermont Street for one-way northbound traffic, including the construction of a sidewalk to provide pedestrian connections and parkway beautification elements. New on-street bike lanes along Irving Avenue will included to connect to the Cal Sag Regional Trail.

This project will include the construction of approximately 2,050 linear feet of new and improved sidewalks, two new pedestrian crosswalks, and a covered bike shelter at the Ashland Metra Station.

The RTA convened a Developer Discussion Panel to assist the Village's efforts to attract transit- oriented development (TOD) at a vacant ~6-acre site located directly adjacent to the Metra Electric Ashland Avenue station. The Village will benefit from developer expertise on how to attract and consider development proposals that optimize the neighboring transit asset and align with local and regional goals.

The RTA is assisting the City of Chicago with an initiative to provide transformative changes along the 79th Street commercial corridor within the Auburn Gresham community areas. A plan will be developed to serve as a guide for future housing, retail and transportation investments in the community.

Clearbrook continues to provide transportation services to more than 8,000 children & adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.  Clients are transported to work, school, day programs, medical appointments, community recreation, and other activities. 

The RTA is assisting the CTA with developing a strategy for bus route enhancements that will address slow zones along CTA Bus Route #8 - Halsted Street. The strategies are being developed in coordination with other transportation analyses along the corridors. The improvements will work to speed bus operations in persistent congested areas and accommodate expected growth in the North Branch area with improved transit service.

CTF Illinois provides transportation support to children and adults with diverse disabilities.  The door-to-door transportation services are vital to allow persons enrolled at CTF greater access to their daily supports including vocational, community employment, educational, fine arts, and advocacy.  This award includes funding for GPS fleet tracking devices to provide precise travel data.