Northern Illinois Transit Authority Launches

CHICAGO – The Northern Illinois Transit Authority officially replaced the Regional Transportation Authority on Tuesday, taking over oversight of Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority and Pace. NITA was created under legislation signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2025 and includes $1.5 billion in annual funding to stabilize transit systems without raising statewide taxes. The new authority plans to improve service, coordinate schedules and routes, create a unified fare payment system and increase public safety. Early changes include more frequent service on Metra’s Rock Island and Electric lines, expanded Pace weekend service and additional CTA frequent bus routes. Regionalized student fares also have been introduced, with reduced fares for some SNAP recipients expected this fall.