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 — is expan...
September 11, 2026
Plan
RTA Board hears from guest speakers on how to ensure accessible and financially sustainable future for transit
As the RTA continues development of its new regional transit strategic plan, the agency is committed to engaging in conversations about the future of public ...
January 6, 2022
Invest
RTA Access to Transit program to fund better connections in six communities in 2022
The RTA is announcing more than $300,000 in funding through its Access to Transit program to help six communities in Northeastern Illinois improve connection...
December 13, 2021
Plan
Explore 2021 RTA Local Planning projects and successes in interactive implementation report
Public transit is an irreplaceable piece of the region’s mobility network that supports a thriving, resilient region. The RTA builds on the strength of trans...
December 10, 2021
Invest
Guest blogger from Cook County DOTH weighs in on how RTA can balance transit’s current needs and future opportunities
The RTA is currently developing the 2023 Regional Transit Strategic Plan for Northeastern Illinois at a time when the challenges and opportunities facing ou...
December 7, 2021
Invest
Guest blogger from Lake County Partners encourages collaboration for a transit system that supports regional economic development
The RTA is currently developing the 2023 Regional Transit Strategic Plan for Northeastern Illinois at a time when the challenges and opportunities facing ou...
November 30, 2021
Invest
RTA seeking public comment, to hold virtual hearing on 2022 proposed budget
Over the next month, the RTA is seeking public comment and will hold a virtual public hearing on the 2022 Proposed Operating Budget, Two-Year Financial Plan,...
November 19, 2021
Plan
RTA Community Planning program begins new projects in Chicago, suburbs
The RTA Community Planning program began work on four new projects recently, each with the goal of helping improve quality of life by addressing local planni...
November 18, 2021
Invest
Public forum focuses on lessons from the pandemic in planning for transit’s future
COVID-19 has been the biggest disruption to our region’s public transit system in its history. In early November 2021, the RTA gathered a panel of experts to...
November 16, 2021
Invest
Guest blogger Audrey Wennink from MPC says transit can be a public health, equity solution
The RTA is currently developing the 2023 Regional Transit Strategic Plan for Northeastern Illinois at a time when the challenges and opportunities faci...
November 10, 2021
Invest
Guest Blogger, UIC Professor Kate Lowe suggests radical rethinking of transit’s future
The RTA is currently developing the 2023 Regional Transit Strategic Plan for Northeastern Illinois at a time when the challenges and opportunities facing ou...
November 2, 2021
Plan
Crystal Lake and Pingree Road Station Area plan aims to improve access and economic development near transit
The recently adopted Crystal Lake and Pingree Road Station Area Strategic Action Plan aims to improve mobility options and encourage development in the large...
October 29, 2021
Invest
Guest blogger from DuPage County discusses need for regional mobility improvements
The RTA is currently developing the 2023 Regional Transit Strategic Plan for Northeastern Illinois at a time when the challenges and opportunities facing ou...
October 26, 2021
