RTA staff, representatives from the Service Boards and potentially other regional partners will review all applications. Applications will first be screened for eligibility and then selected based on the project’s readiness, ability to increase ridership and divert automobile trips, local support, and feedback from reviewers.
Once selections are made for the Access to Transit program the RTA requires all awardees to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that confirms the local match funding arrangement and the program standards. Awardees are required to front the engineering and construction expenses and will be reimbursed by the RTA up to the maximum dollar amount established in the IGA.
Phase I engineering only awardees will enter into an IGA with the RTA to confirm the funding arrangement and the project standards. Once an IGA has been executed, the applicant can begin procuring engineering services. Applicants are required to front engineering expenses and then seek reimbursement by the RTA according to the invoicing process established in the IGA after receiving approval from the RTA.
Have a question?
RTA staff offered two virtual Open House sessions during which applicants could ask questions about the application process, about specific project ideas, and anything else related to the Call for Projects. Potential applicants can participate at any time during the Open House sessions, at the beginning, at the end, or any time in between, on the following dates:
- Tuesday December 2, 2025 – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday January 7, 2026 – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Applicants can email questions to applications@rtachicago.org. You also can contact Michael Horsting at michael.horsting@rtachicago.org
or Robert Morris at robert.morris@rtachicago.org.
Timeline
Access to Transit Call for Projects |
November 2025 | Open call for projects on November 20 |
January 2026 | Applications due on January 16 |
January – April 2026 | Application review and selection; notify all applicants of status |
