‘A fresh start’: NITA launches, picks chair to lead new transit agency

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority’s new leader pledged to unify the region’s transportation system, improve service for riders, and promote economic opportunities Thursday

At the inaugural meeting of the NITA board, directors chose transportation expert Tom Kotarac as its chair.

“This is something really rare. A genuine opportunity for a fresh start,” said Kotarac, who previously served as a Regional Transportation Authority director.

The fledgling agency replaces the RTA as a result of the NITA Act, passed in 2025. It gives NITA greater authority over Metra, Pace and the CTA in terms of fares, planning and finances.

Along with added clout, NITA will receive an millions of additional dollars through a sales tax increase and transfers of state gas sales tax funds.

Much is expected of NITA, from reducing crime on the CTA to delivering a universal fare system to finding efficiencies and cutting spending.

Kotarac was a former deputy executive director for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and also served on Capitol Hill, where he worked as a senior adviser to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

The NITA board has five more members than the RTA’s 15.

Ten NITA directors are Chicagoans, five hail from suburban Cook, and five live in DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.

mpyke@dailyherald.com