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 the NITA Act can advance a regional transit network across six counties
On December 16, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, a significant transit funding and reform package that w...
January 27, 2026
Plan
What happens next: Key dates and deadlines as RTA transitions to NITA in 2026
2026 will be a major year of transition for Chicago’s regional transit system. Governor Pritzker’s signing of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act (Pu...
January 13, 2026
Invest
RTA releases semi-annual project management oversight report highlighting more than 100 capital projects
The RTA has released its latest semiannual Project Management Oversight (PMO) report, detailing the status of major capital projects across the Chicago regio...
January 7, 2026
Move
Access Pilot Program extends through December 31, 2026, providing reduced fares for Metra riders with low incomes
The RTA, Metra, and Cook County are extending the Access Pilot Program, which provides reduced fares on the entire Metra system to riders experiencing low in...
December 17, 2025
Move
RTA launches Fare Programs Online 2.0, streamlining rider applications for Reduced Fare, Ride Free, Access Pilot programs
The RTA has launched Fare Programs Online 2.0, an enhanced version of its customer portal that makes it easier and more accessible for riders to apply for an...
December 16, 2025
Plan
Robbins adopts zoning code amendments to encourage mixed-use development near Metra station
Last month, the Village of Robbins Board of Trustees adopted equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) zoning code amendments developed with the RTA’s as...
November 20, 2025
Plan
2026 regional transit budget available for public comment, lays out future with new sustainable funding
The RTA has released the Proposed 2026 Regional Transit Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Program for download and public comment. The budget comes on t...
November 17, 2025
Move
How to use transit to celebrate the holidays in the Chicago region
Whether you’re looking to shop at holiday markets, attend festive performances, or take in all the sights the region has to offer, riding transit is the best...
November 14, 2025
Plan
Illinois legislators pass landmark transit funding and reform bill, averting fiscal cliff. What does it mean for riders?
A new era has begun for transit in the Chicago region. In the early morning hours of October 31, the Illinois General Assembly passed SB 2111, a landmark tra...
November 10, 2025
Plan
RTA releases final Far South Halsted Corridor Study, preparing for future Pace Pulse service
An RTA Community Planning project to support the expansion of Pace Pulse service to Chicago’s south suburbs is now complete. The Far South Halsted Corridor S...
October 28, 2025
Plan
Save Transit Now stories: Hear from residents urging lawmakers to fund the regional transit system
This year, more than 20,000 letters have been sent to Illinois legislators through RTA’s Save Transit Now campaign, urging them to pass sustainable transit f...
October 22, 2025
Plan
How are transit operations funded in Chicago vs. peer regions?
As Illinois legislators continue to discuss and consider ways to address the Chicago region’s looming transit fiscal cliff, there’s value in reviewing how tr...
October 13, 2025
