NITA is responsible for creating and approving a regional budget for the entire Chicago regional transit system including the budgets of CTA, Metra, and Pace. The first NITA Budget will be approved in December 2026.
Take our survey What Moves You to help prioritize spending for the 2027 budget by October 16, 2026.
The NITA budget supports the everyday operations of CTA, Metra, and Pace. The budget includes a capital plan with investments in the infrastructure, vehicles, and facilities that keep our transit system moving. Take a survey by October 16, 2026 about what everyday transit service and long-term investments matter most to you.
What would make your everyday transit experience better?
The operating budget supports the day-to-day delivery of public transit services across the region. Tell us which improvements matter most to you when it comes to public safety and security, transit service, and the overall rider experience. Would you prioritize more frequent service? Additional security personnel? Better real-time arrival information? Improvements to accessibility? You'll also have opportunities to share your own ideas and identify specific routes, stations, or stops where you would like to see improvements.
Where should we invest in the future of our transit system?
The capital budget supports investments in the infrastructure and equipment needed to maintain, modernize, and improve public transit across the region. From vehicles and stations to tracks, signals, and other infrastructure, these investments help support the long-term future of our transit system. Tell us what types of investments matter most to you and share your ideas for future improvements.
How will your feedback be used?
Your responses will help NITA better understand public priorities as we develop the 2027 Regional Transit Budget and plan for future transit improvements. We'll review the results alongside other public input and consider them as part of the broader budget development process.
The survey is an opportunity to share your priorities, but it is not a vote on how public dollars will be spent. Survey results will not directly determine funding allocations or guarantee that specific improvements or projects will be included in the budget. Because participation is voluntary, survey respondents may not be representative of all riders and residents across the region. Results will be considered alongside available funding, system needs, project feasibility, and other factors that inform budget decisions.
What's next?
NITA is gathering public input this fall to better understand regional transit priorities as we develop our first annual budget.
All residents are invited to attend a public open house, NITA: A Stronger Region Moves Together, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14 in the Burlington Room at Union Station to learn more about the future of NITA and give feedback on these and many other topics.
Following this initial engagement period, NITA will release the proposed 2027 Regional Transit Budget on November 3, 2026. Riders and residents will have additional opportunities to review the proposed budget and provide feedback during the formal public comment period before the NITA Board considers its adoption in December.
Take the surveyNITA will work with the transit agencies throughout summer and fall to create a regional budget, seek feedback from the public, and vote on adoption before the end of the year.
