Chicago Transit Authority Initiates Legal Action Against DOT and FTA Concerning Funding for Red Line Extension and RPM Projects

CHICAGO — The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) initiated legal action on Friday against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration. The lawsuit aims to reinstate funding that was previously promised to support the Red Line Extension and the Red & Purple Modernization projects.

According to a statement released by the CTA, the Federal Transit Administration had initially pledged financial backing for these projects, including nearly $2 billion in federal grant funds specifically for the Red Line Extension.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

However, as of October 2025, the federal funding for both the Red Line Extension and the Red & Purple Modernization projects has been halted, the CTA reported.

SEE ALSO: CTA introduces new security measures in response to potential funding reductions

CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen expressed the agency’s determination to advance these projects. “We are fully committed to the success of these projects, and we will take every step necessary to ensure that they move forward,” Leerhsen stated. She highlighted the Red Line Extension as a historic investment in Chicago’s Far South Side, promising to transform public transit and stimulate economic growth in the area. Leerhsen also noted that the ongoing work on the Red & Purple Modernization Project has already resulted in four new, fully accessible, and modern stations. She emphasized the significance of these initiatives and assured that the CTA is collaborating closely with community leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders to see both projects through to completion.

RPM is nearing completion, and initial work for RLE began four year ago, the CTA said. If funding is not restored, the CTA will have to stop work on both projects, they said.

RLE will extend CTA service 5.3 miles south from 95th Street to 130th Street.

As part of RPM, the CTA has opened four new stations and reconstructed the Red and Purple Line Express track.