NITA’s new $5 billion transit budget reflects massive influx of revenues

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority’s preliminary 2027 budget shows a nearly 16% boost in spending and increased staffing as the super agency powers up to deliver on promises of safety and frequency.

NITA, which replaced the Regional Transportation Authority on Sept. 1, is proposing a $5.04 billion operating budget compared to $4.35 billion this year.

It’s a switch from past practices where Metra, Pace and the CTA separately prepared budgets. This year, NITA officials are in charge of coordinating one regional fiscal plan.

The new responsibilities are reflected in a $401 million operating budget for NITA, a spike from the former RTA’s 2026 $48.8 million allocation.

However, about 50% of that amount will be channeled to the agencies or to implement NITA reforms. Those include a transit ambassador program and reducing crime on the CTA; expanding Metra weekend train service; and more Pace express buses.

The CTA is projected to receive $2.5 billion compared to $2.23 billion this year. Highlights will include additional rail service, continued spending on security, and investments to reduce slow zones.

For suburban riders, Metra’s operating budget will be $1.23 billion, about $59 million more than in 2026. Pace will receive $381.7 million, an increase of about $9 million from this year.

The separate $9.73 billion 2027 capital budget allocates $6.39 billion to the CTA, $2.16 billion to Metra and $412 million to Pace.

Metra projects will include new railcars, station upgrades at downtown and suburban locations including Deerfield, and track improvements.

Pace projects involve bus purchases, a new Northwest Division garage, and creation of the Pulse Cermak/22nd Street Line between Cicero and Yorktown Center in Lombard.

In approving the 2025 NITA Act to rescue Metra, Pace and the CTA from a massive shortfall, the General Assembly raised the regional sales tax and diverted a portion of state gas sales tax revenues to fund transit.

The law also directed NITA to find $60 million in savings in 2027, which will include reductions in headcount and increasing the number of part-time bus drivers.

The plan does not include any fare hikes.

The budget will go to a number of public hearings before it’s voted on by the NITA board.

mpyke@dailyherald.com