Northern Illinois Transit Authority Begins New Era for Regional Transit

New regional transit authority unifies CTA, Metra and Pace around shared vision for safer, more reliable and better-connected transit

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) today officially begins operations as the nation’s second largest transit authority by passenger miles driven by the system’s operators – the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace, launching a new regional approach to how public transit is funded and coordinated across the Chicago region.

Created by the Illinois General Assembly through the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act (PA104-0457), signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in December 2025, NITA replaces the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and strengthens regional coordination across CTA, Metra and Pace. Together, the three transit agencies provide more than 1.3 million rides a day.

For riders, the transition to NITA will not bring a change in who operates their bus or train. All services previously provided by the RTA such as ADA Paratransit Certification, Ride Free and Reduced Fare programs and the Access Program for riders experiencing low incomes will continue under NITA.

Riders will continue to see better connections between buses and trains, more frequent and reliable service, simpler fares and payment options, stronger coordination around public safety, better access to real-time information and a more accessible transit system. New public safety measures will include a Transit Ambassador program and a new NITA Office of Transit Safety and Experience, which will oversee the coordination of safety responses across the system.

“A year ago, our state’s transit was facing a doomsday scenario, with service cuts and fare hikes that would have left riders stranded,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Together with our partners in the General Assembly, we stepped up to support riders, keep transit affordable and improve services. Today, NITA is driving Illinois forward with a transformative vision that will deliver a reliable, safe and unified public transportation system for the entire region.”

The NITA Act pairs major new investment with a new regional approach to planning, oversight and service delivery. The legislation provides approximately $1.5 billion annually to stabilize and strengthen public transit across Illinois, including an estimated $1.2 billion in new annual operations funding for northeastern Illinois in 2027, the first full year of new revenue.

“NITA is a bold, once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the transit system northern Illinois deserves,” said Amy Rynell, Active Transportation Alliance Executive Director. “By uniting our region’s transit agencies around better service, easier connections and a shared commitment to riders, this legislation can make getting around simpler, faster and more reliable. It will help people reach work, school, medical appointments, family and all the places that matter — while setting our entire region on a stronger path forward.”

Work is already underway to deliver on the promise to riders. Since the NITA Act was signed, $132 million has been directed toward near-term improvements across CTA, Metra and Pace, including expanded and more reliable service, efforts to address rail slow zones and chronic bus delays, new safety and security resources and expanded access to affordable fares.

“This is the beginning of a transformation that will ultimately be measured by what riders experience every day,” said Maulik Vaishnav, Chief Transition Officer of NITA. “Our job is to build a system with more frequent and reliable service, dependable connections, simpler fares, safer and more accessible trips, and information riders can trust. The NITA Act gives us the regional authority and resources to bring those pieces together as one network.”

What Riders Can Expect

NITA’s launch begins a multi-year transition with the following planned improvements:

No interruption to existing services. All programs and services previously provided by the RTA, CTA, Metra or Pace will continue uninterrupted, and previous RTA contact information and website URLs will continue to work alongside new NITA contact info to access services and personnel.
Improved service delivery. NITA will establish regional standards for frequency, hours of service, travel time, on-time performance and connectivity, creating a consistent framework for planning, measuring, and improving transit service quality across the region.
Simpler, more affordable fares. NITA will set fares across CTA, Metra and Pace, implement fare capping and expanded reduced-fare programs, and move toward a unified, modern fare system.
An integrated approach to public safety. New investments will support additional public safety and security resources, crisis intervention and outreach and development of a regional Transit Ambassador program. NITA will also coordinate regional safety strategies across transit operators, law enforcement and social-service partners.
More strategic investment. NITA will advance the five-year regional capital program to prioritize investments based on system needs and clear performance criteria, helping the region modernize aging infrastructure and make investments where they can have the greatest impact for riders.
Greater accountability. Regional service and performance standards will provide riders and policymakers with clearer measures for evaluating reliability, accessibility, safety, cleanliness and overall system performance.
Enhanced transparency. NITA is committed to transparent reporting and responsible stewardship, providing riders and the public with clear information on system performance, investments and progress. Learn more and access rider information at nita.illinois.gov or follow NITA on social media.

The transition will take place over several years, with major milestones beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2030. Throughout the process, NITA will engage riders, communities, workers, and regional partners as it develops service standards, safety programs, fare policies and future investment priorities.

Upcoming rider engagement sessions are slated for this fall.

“September 1 is the starting line,” Vaishnav said. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to build a transit system around how people travel across this region. Our goal is a network that is easier to understand, easier to navigate and more dependable wherever your trip begins or ends.”

NITA’s first board meeting with a new 20-member board is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, followed by the new CTA, Metra and Pace boards each meeting later in September.