Share opinions, offer ideas on transit at first NITA open house at Union Station

Got a beef about bus service? Chagrined by CTA slow zones? Or just itching to dive deeply into ridership metrics and committee governance?

You can wonk out or get answers to basic questions at the Northern Illinois Transportation Authority’s first open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Union Station.

“The event is designed for you to explore at your own pace, walk through the rider journey on the regional transit system, discuss pain points and future improvements, and learn more about what the NITA, CTA, Metra, and Pace have planned for regional transit in 2027 and beyond,” officials said in a statement.

NITA, the oversight agency for Metra, Pace and the CTA went live Sept. 1. It replaces the Regional Transportation Authority following reform legislation enacted by the Illinois General Assembly last year.

NITA staff will be on hand to discuss safety on transit, the 2027 budget, regional service improvements, capital investments and rider needs. There will also be information for companies seeking to do business with transit agencies and on job postings.

NITA plans more in-person and virtual public events in the coming months to gather feedback that will shape future bus and train service, capital projects and spending priorities.

“Tell us what’s working, where you see opportunities for improvement and what matters most as NITA plans for the years ahead,” organizers said.

The 2025 NITA Act also raised the regional sales tax and funneled a portion of state Road Fund revenues to public transit, which means millions more for a system that has previously faced steep shortfalls.

To register for the open house, held at the Burlington Room in Union Station, visit eventbrite.com/e/nita-a-stronger-region-moves-together-tickets-2001647305975?aff=oddtdtcreator.

mpyke@dailyherald.com