Five things to know about NITA — Illinois’ new transit agency
It’s been a sleeper issue since the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act was signed in December, but transit reforms are just weeks away from becoming reality.
The legislation replaces the Regional Transportation Authority with NITA, a feistier entity empowered to mold Metra, Pace and the CTA into an integrated system. The law goes into effect June 1.
Here’s a look at some significant dates and changes in the near future.
New faces
The NITA board will consist of 20 members, with five each appointed by the governor, Cook County Board president and Chicago mayor. Collar County board chairs get one appointment each.
Meanwhile, the terms of current RTA, Metra, Pace and CTA board members expire Sept. 1.
“The RTA in its remaining days is focused on improvements riders have been asking for, which is service and safety,” RTA Chair Kirk Dillard said.
“And I spend most of my waking hours working to ensure there’s a smooth transition that sets NITA up for success.”
Appointing authorities must select board members for the four agencies by Sept. 29. Some may serve jointly on NITA and either Metra, Pace or CTA. The first NITA board meeting is expected this fall.
“It’s definitely an exciting time as we begin the work of re-imagining our regional transit system,” DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy said. “I’m more than pleased to be part of this process.”
So far, county chairs have met with the former chief of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who shared lessons learned from a similar transformation, Conroy said.
“I’m now working with staff to move through our process as we consider appointments to the newly constituted service boards and NITA,” she said.
A cash influx
Transit agencies faced a funding crisis and budget gaps in 2026 after ridership dropped during the pandemic.
The NITA act will pump about $1.2 billion more in annual operating funds into the region by moving $731 million of state gas sales tax revenues to transit, and increasing the RTA sales tax by 0.25 percentage points to generate $478 million.
However, 2026 is a transitional year with about $564.7 million in new revenues estimated. RTA directors are expected to discuss raising the RTA sales tax at a June meeting, while the gas tax funding shift happens on July 1.
About $245.5 million in new revenue this year will cover transit agency shortfalls. That leaves roughly $320 million.
In May, the RTA board will consider a budget amendment to use $132.2 million on short-term improvements for riders. Proposals include hiring more police for the CTA and Metra, adding K-9 patrols and initiating a transit ambassador program.
The plan also could extend CTA bus routes, enhance Rock Island and Union Pacific service and expand Pace weekend staffing.
The remaining funds will be left for the incoming NITA board to work with. To learn more, visit rtachicago.org/blog.
Security and safety
Violence on CTA trains along with people smoking, drinking and causing disruptions made crime prevention a key driver of the NITA Act.
In March, the CTA announced it was adding Chicago police and engaging Cook County sheriff’s officers to patrol trains.
And, starting in June, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart will be leading a public safety task force that’s required to make recommendations on systemwide policing and security by Dec. 1.
Consultants
The Illinois Department of Transportation was tasked with hiring consultants to assist with the RTA/NITA transition.
Responsibilities include offering guidance on centralizing agency functions, finding efficiencies, advising new board members and hiring NITA’s executive director.
Proposals from firms are due Monday and the consultants must be on board by Sept. 1.
Universal fares
It’s going to take a while, but since you asked — officials have set a Feb. 1, 2030, deadline for full implementation of a seamless fare system for all three agencies.