About CATS

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  • What is the Chicago Area Transportation Study?
    The Chicago Area Transportation Study is comprised of the CATS Policy Committee and CATS Staff. CATS is designated by the state and local officials as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the northeastern Illinois region. The MPO is responsible together with the state for carrying out the urban transportation planning process in this region. The northeastern Illinois region consists of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, and a portion of Grundy County.

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  • Who makes up the CATS Policy Committee?
    CATS Policy Committee consists of policy level representatives of local government and transportation operating and planning agencies in the area. The Policy Committee consists of:
    • Illinois Department of Transportation
    • Regional Transportation Authority
    • Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission
    • CATS Council of Mayors
    • Chicago Department of Transportation
    • Cook County
    • DuPage County
    • Kane County
    • Kendall County
    • Lake County
    • McHenry County
    • Will County
    • Chicago Transit Authority
    • Class I Railroad Companies
    • Commuter Rail Board - Metra
    • Mass Transit Districts
    • Private Transportation Providers
    • Suburban Bus Board - Pace
    • Illinois State Toll Highway Authority
    • Federal Highway Administration
    • Federal Transit Administration

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  • What is the charge of the CATS Policy Committee?
    The Policy Committee is the metropolitan planning organization for northeastern Illinois. It plans, develops and maintains an affordable, safe and efficient transportation system for the region, and provides the forum through which local decision makers develop regional plans and programs.

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  • What are Chicago Area Transportation Study's major responsibilities?
    • Develop Regional Transportation Plan
    • Develop annual and multi-year program of transportation projects
    • Liaison with local communities through Council of Mayors
    • Develop the Congestion Management Plan
    • Develop transportation demand management strategies
    • Conduct transportation operations and technology studies
    • Promote public/private partnerships for transportation services
    • Conduct county and subarea planning and implementation studies
    • Provide public information and citizen participation opportunities
    • Develop financial forecasts of capital and operating funds
    • Develop and maintain travel simulation models
    • Conduct travel characteristics surveys and studies

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