In 2027, our promise to riders is to put your experience at the center of regional decisions. You should be able to count on transit that gets you where you need to go, connections that work, information you can trust, and services you can afford and use. This budget backs that commitment with investments in safer trips, more reliable service, and a more accessible system.
As part of the NITA Act, there is one regional budget for 2027 encompassing plans for NITA, CTA, Metra, and Pace. Download the proposed budget, submit a comment, or register for the public hearing below.
1. Download the Proposed 2027 NITA Budget and Executive Summary
Download the Proposed 2027 NITA Regional Budget Executive Summary
Download the Proposed 2027 NITA Regional Budget
2. Attend a Public Hearing
NITA will hold a public hearing with in person and virtual attendance coinciding with its November Board Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m., with public comment expected to begin at approximately 4 p.m.
The meeting will remain open to accommodate public comment until 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the meeting in person at NITA's office at 175 W. Jackson Blvd., 16th Floor, Chicago, or to participate via Zoom: Register today.
NITA will present the proposed 2027 Regional Transit Budget to county boards across the six-county region in November. Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings to learn more about the budget and planned transit investments.
| Lake County – Wednesday, Nov. 4, 8:30 a.m. Public Works and Transportation Committee Lake County Board Office, 10th Floor 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL | McHenry County – Thursday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. Committee of the Whole McHenry County Administration Building 667 Ware Rd., Woodstock, IL |
| Cook County – Tuesday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. Transportation Committee County Board Room 118 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL | Will County – Thursday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. Executive Committee Will County Board Office 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL |
| Kane County – Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9:45 a.m. County Board Kane County Government Center, Building A 719 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva, IL | DuPage County – Tuesday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. County Board DuPage Center Administration Building, County Board Room, 3rd Floor 421 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL |
3. Submit a Public Comment
Submit comment using the comment box below by December 4, or email communications@nita.illinois.gov.
The 2027 Regional Operating Budget contains $5.04 Billion in funding for NITA, CTA, Metra, and Pace alongside a Five-Year Capital Program for 2027–2031 of $9.73 Billion. Read the major projects and priorities funded in that budget below.
Safer Trips
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 | More Frequent, Reliable Service
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Affordable, Connected Travel
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 | Accessible Trips, Clearer Information
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Sustainable Transit
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 | Better Places to Ride and Work
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Transit-Oriented Development
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All while achieving $60.1 Million in Efficiencies. $13.2 million more than required by the NITA Act.
Funded amounts show dollars programmed in the 5-year capital program, not necessarily the full project cost.
NITA heard from thousands of residents across the region as part of its 2027 budget development process. The “What Moves You?” online survey received 4,368 responses, with participants prioritizing more frequent and reliable service, infrastructure investments, and public safety. Additionally, nearly 400 people attended NITA's October 14 open house at Union Station to share feedback and learn about plans for regional transit.
The feedback helped inform the Proposed 2027 Budget and will continue to guide future planning and investments.
Read more about what we heard and explore the full survey results.
