About CATS

ATTENTION

This website is no longer being updated.

Please visit the CMAP website for current transportation planning information.

Since 1955, the Chicago Area Transportation Study (CATS) Policy Committee and staff have helped plan, program and implement transportation improvements for the northeastern Illinois planning area. CATS was formed in 1955 to develop the first comprehensive long-range transportation plan for the region. This plan, completed in 1962, had a horizon year of 1980 and included many recommendations that were to become part of the present highway and transit networks. The success of that planning effort led to CATS being made a permanent agency.