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
Invest
RTA outlines process to distribute federal COVID relief funds, analyze critical transit need
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the RTA is in the midst of its three step recovery strategy to sustain the region’s transit system and plan for its futur...
January 22, 2021
Plan
RTA accepting applications for Community Planning program
Joint Call for Planning Assistance open through Wednesday, February 3 The RTA is partnering with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to issu...
January 20, 2021
Invest
Analysis of capital projects shows most funding directed toward transit safety and reliability, but needs remain
Amid one of the most challenging years for transit, the RTA and the three Service Boards (CTA, Metra, and Pace) continue to advance key capital projects that...
December 16, 2020
Plan
RTA begins zoning code projects in Cicero, Riverside
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has begun work with the communities of Cicero and Riverside to support zoning code updates through the agency’s C...
September 15, 2020
Plan
Survey seeks input on RTA transit recovery scenario planning
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on regional transit have been profound. The public health crisis has reduced ridership, led to service changes, and plac...
August 28, 2020
Plan
RTA, Cary begin work on Downtown Strategic Plan to support transit-oriented development
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has begun work with the Village of Cary to complete a Downtown Strategic Plan. The goal is to encourage private ...
August 26, 2020
Plan
RTA funds Phase I engineering for bicycle, pedestrian transit access improvements in four communities
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is announcing $195,000 in funding through its Access to Transit program to help four communities in Northeaste...
August 19, 2020
Plan
RTA, Crystal Lake begin planning project to enhance areas surrounding Metra stations
The City of Crystal Lake and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) have begun a planning process to create the Crystal Lake and Pingree Road Stations S...
August 5, 2020
Invest
RTA Executive Director's letter to Illinois Congressional Delegation on additional federal funding for transit
On July 30, 2020, I sent a letter to the Illinois Congressional delegation to reiterate that the RTA strongly supports including additional federal resources...
August 3, 2020
Archive
RTA celebrates 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act
This month the RTA is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA transformed society and provided opportunities f...
July 29, 2020
Plan
Maywood adopts RTA-supported TOD plan for downtown area
The Village of Maywood recently adopted the Downtown Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan, which was supported by the Regional Transportation Authority (R...
July 28, 2020
Plan
RTA, Pace begin study of express bus network along I-294 Tollway
The RTA and Pace have partnered to study opportunities for express bus services along the I-294 Tri-State Tollway corridor. The agencies have selected AECOM,...
July 17, 2020
