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    1. Rail

    RTA Provides Technical Assistance to Enhance Access to Transit in Aurora

    July 1, 2015
    Related To: Regional Transportation Authority - Chicago

    The city of Aurora recently announced two transit-related plans on which it is working with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The first includes plans to improve pedestrian access to the Aurora Transportation Center and the Route 59 Metra Station and the second is a plan for a new commuter transit route that will improve access to the Route 59 Metra station for residents along Station Boulevard. Both projects were selected to receive technical assistance through the RTA’s 2015 Community Planning Program.

    "The RTA is pleased to contribute to the city of Aurora’s vision and assist in improving transit access for its residents,” said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden. “The City’s efforts to develop these plans illustrate the type of transit-oriented improvements we can bring to riders and residents throughout the RTA region.”

    The RTA has partnered with the city of Aurora to develop a Pedestrian Access to Transit Improvement Plan that will improve access to the Aurora Transportation Center and Route 59 Metra station. The plan would assess the need for additional sidewalks and paths, enhanced crosswalks, way finding signage, intersection improvements and bicycle accommodations.

    The second project is an update to the Station Boulevard Transit Plan that will result in a public-private partnership between the city, developers and residents, making access to Pace and Metra services more attractive to potential users. The transit route would connect commuting residents living along Station Boulevard in Aurora to the Route 59 Metra train station during designated times of the day. The successful implementation of the transit route will be a model that the city of Aurora can replicate in its downtown area.

    This is one of many TOD planning and implementation projects funded through the RTA’s Community Planning Program. To date, the program has completed more than 100 TOD and implementation plans since the late 1990’s using a combination of RTA, local and federal funds, totaling nearly $10 million.