November 13, 2006

An initial list of projects has been developed as part of the Moving Beyond Congestion Consensus Framework. All of these projects together combine to represent a 30-year vision of what this region’s transit system might be in the future. All projects will not necessarily be included in the final proposed MBC program—that is where we need your input. Over the next few months the project list will be refined based on further analysis and public input. The project list was developed from a large variety of sources. It includes projects specific to the RTA service boards (CTA, Pace, and Metra) along with other projects obtained from county and local plans, the CMAP Regional Transportation Plan and input from Partners and the region’s residents. Service Board projects include the adopted 5 year capital programs, documented unfunded needs, federally authorized major expansions, and proposals for future expansions.

Projects are organized in the three building blocks of the Moving Beyond Congestion Vision

INVEST TO MAINTAIN
We must preserve our current system and maintain the services we have. This requires reinvestment to maintain our current assets and continuing the progress we have made since 1989 in addressing the backlog of unfunded capital needs. Additional funding is required to continue to operate our present level of service.

INVEST TO ENHANCE
Investing to enhance the system with improved & new service is also proposed. This will improve existing service and expand service into new transit markets in the mid-term future.

INVEST TO EXPAND
To meet the region’s growth and to support existing and expected demand for transit we need to plan for longer-term future system expansion. Included are the major expansion projects identified in federal legislation, project concepts proposed by the transit agencies, other government agencies, partners and the public.

Capital Costs (billions, 2006 $)

Operating Costs
Additional operations funding of $250-$300 million per year (2006 dollars) will be required to continue to provide current service, support enhanced services and operate major expansion projects.