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CMAP delivers Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) to state leaders, charting a strong future for transit
On Thursday, December 7, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) proudly delivered the final Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) at a milestone event hosted in Chicago. The celebration was the culmination of 10 months of rigorous work and included a wide variety of regional leaders who came together to develop the plan. A news release is available, as well as a video of the press conference at Cook County Government - YouTube. Photos from the event can also be found on CMAP’s flickr.
Transit agencies in northeastern Illinois face a fiscal cliff, with an expected budget shortfall of $730 million in 2026. Big, bold solutions are needed to secure the financial viability of the region’s transit system. PART fulfills a state requirement tasking CMAP with developing legislative recommendations on the region’s transit system.
"These 129 pages include proposed solutions built on sound policy, data, research, analysis, and consensus. Everything in this report is focused on strengthening our transit system for the people who call northeastern Illinois home. Now is the time to be bold — to chart a path for the next 50, 100 years of transit investments that lives up to the region's economic, equity, and climate commitments," said CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman
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“We want our transportation network to reflect an equitable plan that will bring much-needed improvements to communities that have faced barriers to affordable, accessible transit for far too long.”
- Senator Ram Villivalam (District 8), legislation sponsor
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“The PART report represents a crucial starting point in our journey towards a revitalized public transit system. It underscores the power of collaboration and sets the stage for bold actions that will redefine the future of transportation in our region.”
- Representative Eva-Dina Delgado (District 3), legislation sponsor
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CMAP brought together representatives from business, community, environmental, labor, and civic sectors to develop a menu of solutions.
PART addresses a variety of timely transit needs, including financial viability and funding, rider experience, governance, and community and economic development. PART supports our region’s ON TO 2050 vision’s principles of inclusive growth, resilience, and prioritized investment.
CMAP and the many partners and stakeholders involved in PART organized the report around three themes:
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The system we want: Ideas to rebuild public confidence, increase ridership, and improve the experience for all types of riders — to ensure transit service is seamless and affordable.
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How we pay for it: Reforms and funding options that can close the multimillion-dollar shortfall facing the region's transit system.
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How to implement it: Efforts to address governance structures and how funding is distributed.
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Transportation Committee recap: Setting safety performance targets, and more
CMAP’s most recent Transportation Committee meeting in November covered a wide array of topics.
- The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) provided an informational update on the state’s 2024 Long-Range Transportation Plan “Move Illinois” and its goals, objectives, and planned investments. More information about Move Illinois, as well as a public survey, is featured below in this newsletter.
- CMAP presented on 2024 roadway safety performance targets. Under federal law, state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations are required to establish annual highway safety performance targets and track progress toward the long-term goal of eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. Staff summarized the proposed 2024 highway safety targets and responded to questions from the committee.
- CMAP unanimously passed the Transportation Improvement Program’s (TIP) amendment 24-02, which included a series of transportation projects across our region requiring schedule modifications, cost adjustments, inclusion, or removal.
The Transportation Committee will convene once more in 2023 on Friday, December 15 at 9:30 a.m.
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 Take the Move Illinois survey
Move Illinois, IDOT’s 2024 Long-Range Transportation Plan, is creating a strategic roadmap to improve transportation across the state. IDOT is seeking residents’ insights on transportation experiences and challenges to inform the next plan.
Additionally, IDOT is hosting two virtual advisory group webinars that will help shape the plan’s strategic goals, objectives, and strategies on Monday, December 11 at noon, and Wednesday, December 13 at 5:00 p.m. Webex links and additional information is available on the Move Illinois project page.
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Chicago Union Station concourse improvement survey
Amtrak is planning for the redesign of the concourse at Chicago’s Union Station and wants to hear from you.
The new concourse design will increase capacity and provide a higher level of service for both intercity and commuter passengers, while improving the state of the facility. Additionally, the renovation will incorporate contemporary thinking around sustainability, inclusivity, and universal design. It will improve safety, reduce severe congestion, create a more logical, customer friendly passenger flow, improve signage and wayfinding, expand restroom capacity, and create a spacious Amtrak waiting and boarding area –– providing a more welcoming environment for both Amtrak and Metra customers.
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Comment on the 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program
CMAP released a conformity amendment to the fiscal financial year 2024-28 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Conformity analysis is part of the transportation modeling process that evaluates the air quality impact of projects in the ON TO 2050 plan update and the 2024-28 TIP, as amended. On-road vehicle emissions are reviewed to determine how the region will reach national ambient air quality goals.
This amendment is open for public comment through Monday, December 11.
Comments on the amendments may be submitted to CMAP by email at transportation@cmap.illinois.gov, by U.S. mail, or by phone at 312-454-0400.
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Federal RAISE grant opportunity
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently announced $1.5 billion in RAISE discretionary grant funding available to help state and local governments complete locally and regionally important transportation projects. Recently awarded projects include planning and infrastructure to construct bike and pedestrian facilities, as well as first and last mile connections to transit.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. EST on February 28, 2024 and selections will be announced no later than June 27, 2024.
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 Use transit to celebrate the holidays
Whether you’re looking to shop at holiday markets, attend festive performances, or take in all the sights the region has to offer, riding transit is the best way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
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