On Track: A blog from NITA
Blog posts published prior to September 1, 2026 were written by the RTA and are maintained here for historical purposes.
Blog posts published prior to September 1, 2026 were written by the RTA and are maintained here for historical purposes.
Under NITA, Access — a popular fare pilot that enables Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to ride Metra at a reduced fare — expanded...
October 1, 2026
Plan
How peer states are addressing their transit systems’ fiscal cliffs
Public transit plays an essential role in the lives of millions of riders across the Chicago region and has the potential to reach even more people, but the ...
September 11, 2024
Plan
Survey open now: Help guide improvements to RTAMS, RTA’s mapping and statistics website
The RTA is seeking feedback from users of RTAMS, the agency’s mapping and statistics website, to better understand who uses it and how it can be improved in ...
September 9, 2024
Plan
RTA announces eight new Community Planning program projects
Eight new projects have been chosen for the RTA’s 2024 Community Planning program. Project locations include Chicago, Hazel Crest, Lockport, Maywood, Morton ...
August 29, 2024
Plan
A pivotal choice for transit: RTA analysis explores outcome of either falling off the fiscal cliff or investing in transit
At the RTA’s August board meeting, staff presented new economic impact analyses illustrating two drastically different potential futures for the regional tra...
August 28, 2024
Plan
RTA advocates for transit-priority, BRT to be included in major Chicago roadway projects
Dedicated space on roads for Pace and CTA buses is critical to improving speed and reliability. It will take a coalition to inspire the political will within...
August 28, 2024
Plan
Transit Station Activations in Rogers Park, Joliet bring live music, games, and more
In May, the RTA announced more than $120,000 in funding for eight Transit Station Activation projects near CTA, Metra, and Pace stations and stops. The proje...
August 27, 2024
Plan
Metra envisions regional rail, express service to O’Hare during presentation to RTA Board
Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski presented a midyear update to the RTA Board of Directors during their meeting on August 15, outlining improvements the...
August 21, 2024
Move
In memoriam: Cartographer Dennis McClendon, ‘Mr. Downtown,’ left his mark on Chicago transit
The RTA is marking the passing of cartographer and Chicago historian Dennis McClendon, who provided cartographic work to the RTA for more than a decade. McCl...
August 14, 2024
Plan
Coalition members provide feedback on possible reforms to improve service and accountability for riders
More than 140 riders, agency staff, legislative staff, advocates, and other stakeholders met virtually on July 31 for the fifth quarterly Transit is the Answ...
August 5, 2024
Move
How to navigate the Democratic National Convention using public transportation
The Democratic National Convention is coming to Chicago’s United Center and McCormick Place August 19-22, 2024, and with it will come roughly 50,000 visitors...
July 25, 2024
Plan
Transit station activation in Uptown brings positive presence to Broadway bus route with weekly outdoor yoga class
On Friday mornings now through the end of the year, CTA #36 and #81 bus riders and Red Line passengers through the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago may catch a...
July 25, 2024
Plan
Join the RTA Transit is the Answer Coalition to discuss possible reforms to improve service and accountability for riders
Following the introduction of legislation that proposes changes to how the Chicago region’s transit agencies are organized, the RTA continues to lead convers...
July 15, 2024
