Transportation Improvement Program: Transportation Alternatives Program

Implementing the Regional Greenways and Trail Plan, one path at a time

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) locally programmed Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a federally funded program of surface transportation improvements designed to support non-motorized transportation. CMAP uses a competitive process to select bicycle and pedestrian projects to that help complete the Regional Greenways and Trail Plan.

The Regional Greenways and Trails Plan, adopted as part of ON TO 2050, is a long-range plan which envisions a network of continuous greenway and trail corridors — linked across jurisdictions — providing scenic beauty, natural habitat, and recreational and transportation opportunities. The regional trails plan helps implementers and funding agencies advance their projects, as proposals that relate to the plan can be more attractive to funding agencies. 

Project examples include multi-use trails, trail bridges and underpasses, and on-street bicycle facilities.

The CMAQ, CRP, & TAP Project Selection Committee provides overall guidance for the development of the TAP.

What does TAP fund?

TAP funds bicycle facility projects that serve a transportation purpose, not just recreation. Some items (e.g., trash bins, picnic tables, campgrounds, and general park facilities) are not eligible for TAP funding, even if the overall project is approved.

Who can apply?

A TAP project sponsor can be a local government, regional transportation authority, transit agency, natural resource or public land agency, school district, and any other local or regional governmental entity with oversight of transportation or recreational trails. The Illinois Department of Transportation and nonprofit agencies cannot be sponsors, but may partner with an eligible project sponsor.

• TAP call for projects fact sheet
• Transportation call for projects
• Program management resources