This award is designed to support a series of initiatives aimed at modernizing and improving ctas fleet and facilities as well as preparing the bus and rail systems for future upgrades

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) received a $218.8 million Federal Transit Formula Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Urbanized Area Formula Funding Program (CFDA 20.507), awarded on August 22, 2025, with a completion date of October 1, 2033. This award supports comprehensive capital improvements to modernize CTA's bus and rail fleet and infrastructure. Key deliverables include the purchase of up to 100 new standard clean diesel buses and 17 new railcars to replace aging vehicles; overhaul of existing bus and rail revenue fleet to extend asset lifecycles; engineering assessments and design plans for bus system electrification; complete accessibility design for Oak Park and Ridgeland Green Line rail stations; station rehabilitation involving upgrades to entrances, exits, elevators, and structural components; renovation of rail maintenance facilities, track systems, and traction power infrastructure; phased replacement of security camera systems at stations and rail vehicles; and engineering and design services for targeted subway structural improvements.

The grant funds capital construction program management and project financing to support these infrastructure modernization initiatives across CTA's transit system serving the Chicago metropolitan area. As a formula grant program administered by the FTA, funding is apportioned to eligible metropolitan transit authorities for capital and operating assistance in urbanized areas, emphasizing maintenance of transit assets in a state of good repair while improving system reliability and accessibility in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Activities

Fleet replacement: purchase new buses and railcars to replace overage vehicles.fleet overhaul: complete necessary overhauls of the revenue fleet to maintain or extend the asset life cycle.design accessibility improvements: complete 100% design for making two rail green line stations (OAK park and ridgeland) fully accessible.station rehabilitation: plan and design sogr improvements for stations including the rehabilitation of entrances exits elevators and structure.track and traction power renovation: revise and renew critical track and traction power systems to improve service quality.subway structure improvements: conduct engineering and design for initial renovation of subway equipment and structure.capital program management: oversee and manage ctas capital construction program including financing obligations for various projects.

Expected outcomes

Improved service efficiency: replacement of overage buses and railcars will enhance the efficiency and reliability of CTA service while reducing ongoing maintenance costs.extended fleet lifespan: overhauling select buses and railcars will extend the useful life of the current fleet.accessibility upgrades: accessibility improvements for rail stations and bus turnarounds will continue to progress ensuring compliance with modern standards and enhancing rider experience.sogr station rehabilitation: ongoing station rehabilitation efforts will result in more modern and efficient stations with improved structural integrity elevators and accessibility.ongoing modifications to ctas heavy rail vehicle maintenance facility improvements are to be made to production spaces shop interior vehicle maintenance equipment and building systems.track and structure improvements: track and structural renovations will reduce slow zones increasing travel speed and efficiency across the system.

Intended beneficiaries

CTA customers: the funded projects will provide far-reaching benefits for CTA riders including improved service quality speed safety and reliability.community: CTA funded projects will advance modernization and improvements throughout the system with emphasis on safety and investing in communities. Making rail stations accessible deploying innovative technologies and rolling stock advancing sogr initiatives for transit stations rolling stock and eliminating rail track slow zones.

Subrecipient activities

None: this award does not involve subrecipient activities.