The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), led by Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, has signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to support the Red Line Extension (RLE) project. Backed by USD 1.97 billion from the FTA, this extension is funded in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The project will extend the Red Line by 5.5 miles, linking the Far South Side to the city’s L system for the first time. With a total estimated cost of USD 5.75 billion, the extension represents the largest single transit initiative in CTA history.
Designed to bridge transit gaps and promote economic investment in predominantly Black and underserved neighborhoods, the RLE will connect key destinations, including the Rosalind Medical District, Pullman National Monument, Chicago State University, and the Altgeld Gardens housing development.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, “This project will save some commuters up to 30 minutes in each direction and give them more time back in their days. It will also connect Far South Side Chicagoans to economic opportunities through more accessible travel.”
Red Line Extension economic and social impact
The project is expected to create over 25,000 jobs in Cook County and generate USD 1.7 billion in real estate activity by 2040. Planned transit-oriented developments around the 95th Street Corridor aim to foster local economic growth and revitalize the area.
The extension will improve access to jobs, schools, and healthcare while reducing commute times for residents of the Far South Side. Approximately 24% of residents in the project area live below the poverty level, and 25% face commutes exceeding 60 minutes—both figures well above citywide averages.
Infrastructure details
The Red Line will be extended from its current terminus at 95th/Dan Ryan to 130th Street. The project includes four new fully accessible stations at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue, and 130th Street. These stations will feature multimodal connections, such as bus, bike, pedestrian, and park-and-ride facilities.
Additional infrastructure will include traction power substations, approximately 1,200 parking spaces, and a railyard and maintenance shop near 120th Street. With a population density of nearly 6,800 people per square mile within half a mile of each station, the extension is expected to significantly enhance transit accessibility.
Federal Support and Long-Term Goals
The federal government’s USD 1.97 billion contribution accounts for 34.3% of the total project cost and is part of the FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, which supports transformative transit initiatives nationwide.
“This expansion will drive significant economic growth and create new opportunities for residents of the Far South Side,” said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “It represents a profound change in transit equity and access for Chicagoans.”
The Red Line Extension aligns with efforts to improve transportation infrastructure while addressing historical disparities in access. It is a key step in enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering sustainable economic development in Chicago’s South Side.
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