RTA releases semi-annual project management oversight report highlighting more than 100 capital projects

The RTA has released its latest semiannual Project Management Oversight (PMO) report, detailing the status of major capital projects across the Chicago region. These investments are modernizing transit infrastructure, improving accessibility, and supporting more sustainable service for riders.

Under its PMO program, the RTA ensures that the Service Boards—CTA, Metra, and Pace—are spending capital funds responsibly and managing projects efficiently. The PMO program includes oversight of all state-funded transit projects, regardless of budget, and all other projects with budgets of $10 million or more, regardless of funding source. Project progress information is updated on a quarterly basis on the Regional Transportation Authority Mapping and Statistics (RTAMS) website.

The December PMO report includes 86 active state funded projects that have a total budget of almost $11.2 billion, including more than $3 billion in state funding. The report also includes 26 projects with budgets of $10 million or more, funded with mostly federal and other local funds. In total, the report details 112 projects which show a capital investment of over $15 billion into Chicago’s regional transit system.

Project highlights

CTA: Racine Station, Morgan Substation, and Hermitage Traction Power Improvements

Expected completion: August 2026

Budget: $119 million

This project includes reconstruction of the Racine Stationhouse, traction power improvements with a new Morgan Substation, and equipment replacement at Hermitage Substation. The rehabilitated Racine station will be fully ADA accessible.

In October, CTA opened the newly renovated east entrance to the Racine Station to the public. The west entrance at Loomis is now closed for renovation with demolition and foundation work underway. Exterior construction and utility work are in progress at the new Morgan Substation, and equipment testing is being completed at the Hermitage Substation.

Metra: Zero-Emission Trainsets

Expected completion: August 2028

Budget: $370 million (including options)

Metra is advancing its Zero-Emission Trainsets project, which is part of the agency’s fleet modernization program and will introduce battery-powered, self-propelled trainsets into service on the Rock Island Line. The base order includes eight two-car trainsets, with options for up to eight more and up to 32 trailer cars. The onboard batteries will power both the movement of the train and all the onboard systems, including lighting, intercoms, and HVAC.

The intermediate design phase for the trainsets has been completed and the final design review is underway. Metra has a change order in progress which will upgrade the trainsets to have higher-capacity batteries. These higher-capacity batteries will extend the trainsets’ operating range. Manufacturing has begun on the first two trainsets, and the first unit is expected to be delivered in October 2026. Final delivery for the base order is expected in August of 2028.

With this investment, Metra will be among the first passenger rail agencies in the country to purchase and operate self-propelled trainsets that do not require wayside power. Each replacement of an older diesel locomotive with a zero-emission unit is expected to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 30 tons per year, significantly lowering Metra’s greenhouse gas footprint and improving air quality across the region.

Pace: North Division Garage Electrification – Phase 1

Expected completion: Phase I completed November 2025, Phase 2 ongoing

Budget: $16.9 million

Pace renovated its North Division bus garage in Waukegan to support an all‑electric bus fleet, making it the first facility in the region designed specifically for electric buses. The scope included installations of numerous bus charging dispensers including pantograph and pedestal models, bus charging units, additional outdoor fire hydrants, concrete pads with a canopy structure for outdoor vehicle storage, upgraded electrical infrastructure to handle the higher electrical loads, and upgrades to drainage structures.

The phase 1 construction was recently completed in November 2025. Pace is making progress on phase 2, which will further expand the garage and upgrade the maintenance facility.

Join the Transit is the Answer Coalition

Since 2020, the amount of funding available in the regional capital program has seen consistent growth, both on the federal and state levels, which has allowed the region to make progress toward lowering the state of good repair backlog and allowed for advancement of other key priorities. Recently Gov. Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act into law, landmark transit funding and governance legislation that increases funds for transit operations. The NITA Act also includes $180 million of new annual road fund interest allocation to transit capital needs, which is expected to be programmed later in 2026.

Despite these investments, the long-term capital needs of a large legacy transit system like Chicago’s are great. The RTA’s 2025 Asset Condition Report highlights the need for an annual investment of $4 billion over the next 20 years to address chronic disinvestment, to achieve a state of good repair, to make improvements to the sustainability of transit, and to improve accessibility, reliability, and equity. The current five-year capital program averages less than $2 billion per year, leaving a large gap compared to the capital need. Join the Transit is the Answer Coalition to continue advocating for the development of more sustainable funding streams to maintain and improve the transit system.