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
Move
ADA paratransit certified riders can now ride free on fixed-route CTA, Metra, and Pace service
Effective October 1, 2025, fixed-route CTA, Pace, and Metra will be free for ADA paratransit certified riders. This applies to CTA and Pace buses, the CTA ‘L...
October 9, 2025
Plan
Illinois transit farebox recovery ratio requirement is uniquely high and harms riders
Since the release of the Transit is the Answer strategic plan in 2023, RTA has consistently advocated for lasting change to Illinois’ 50% farebox recovery ra...
October 9, 2025
Plan
How to achieve greater regional authority in Chicago area transit
As the fiscal cliff approaches and legislative discussions about funding and reform continue, one thing many agree on is the need for the regional authority ...
October 9, 2025
Move
How to use transit to explore the Chicago region’s architecture
Chicago is one of the world’s great cities for architecture and designed landscapes—and the birthplace of the word “skyscraper.” The region is home to an unm...
October 7, 2025
Plan
Transportation Tuesday Recap – What’s next for the transit fiscal cliff: A conversation between Chicago and Philadelphia
Beginning in 2026, the RTA system is facing a fiscal cliff, growing to 20% of the operating budget in 2027 and 2028. On May 31, the Illinois General Assembly...
October 3, 2025
Plan
Addressing Chicago’s transit fiscal cliff should not be a city vs. suburbs issue
With the Chicago area’s transit fiscal cliff approaching, there is often public and media conversation framing the issue as a fight between the city and the ...
September 30, 2025
Plan
How service standards could ensure all communities benefit from the transit system
Earlier this year the RTA released Transforming Transit, the agency’s vision for a world-class regional transit system with $1.5 billion in annual operating ...
September 23, 2025
Plan
Transportation Tuesday recap: Introduction to Joint Development
In July, the RTA kicked off a two-phase study to determine whether a joint development program is feasible in the Chicago region, and if so, what it will loo...
September 18, 2025
Plan
What transit riders are telling us: 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey Results
The RTA conducts multiple rider surveys that get to the heart of regional transit customers’ satisfaction with service, transit usage, and priorities for imp...
September 18, 2025
Plan
Transportation Tuesday recap: Human Services Transportation Plan Update
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is beginning an update to its Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP), the region’s roadmap for improving mobil...
September 12, 2025
Move
RTA will award more than $16M in federal funding for projects that enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities
On August 21, the RTA Board of Directors approved a program of projects that will make it easier for older adults and people with disabilities to get to jobs...
August 21, 2025
Plan
ADA Paratransit budget shortfall explained
At the RTA’s May Board of Directors meeting, staff shared details on an ADA Paratransit budget shortfall for the 2025 fiscal year that will require immediate...
August 21, 2025
