NITA Replaces RTA as Chicago Area's Mass Transit Oversight Agency
The new authority will keep buses and trains running while adding $1.3 billion a year in funding and simpler fares, officials said.
- On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority officially assumed control of Chicagoland public transit, replacing the Regional Transportation Authority to unify operations across the six-county region.
- State lawmakers created NITA last year to address a projected $230 million budget gap, providing more than $1 billion in annual funding without increasing existing statewide taxes.
- Funding stems from a 0.25% regional sales tax hike and roughly $860 million annually from motor fuel taxes, with $200 million from the state's Road Fund in its first year.
- To improve rider experience, NITA plans to launch "transit ambassadors" next year and expand accessibility through a unified regional ADA advisory committee coordinating security efforts.
- The 20-member board, comprising appointees from the governor, Chicago mayor, and county chairs, will hold its first meeting on September 10 at 175 W. Jackson Blvd.
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NITA takes over public transit with $1.5B annual taxpayer funding – Center Square
Funds for the act stem from a diversion of roughly $860 million annually from the state’s Motor Fuel tax, an already in effect 0.25 percent increase in sales tax in the NITA region, and $200 million in its first year and adjusted annually after from the state’s Road Fund.
NITA replaces RTA as Chicago area's mass transit oversight agency
A new era for public transportation in the Chicago region stared on Tuesday, as the Regional Transportation Authority – which oversaw the CTA, Metra, and Pace – was replaced by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.
NITA takes over public transit with $1.5B annual taxpayer funding - Regional Media News
(The Center Square) - Beginning Tuesday, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority officially took full control of Chicagoland public transit, including the CTA, Metra and Pace, from the Regional Transit Authority. NITA brings with it $1.5 billion in annual public funding for the system. The act [...]
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