Riding Into the Future: a Vision for NITA Implementation
Riding Into the Future
This report outlines the many potential opportunities for creating an affordable and sustainable world-class transit system following passage of the NITA Act. Read the full report here
The NITA Act is a bold investment in the future of transit in Illinois. We have the opportunity to invest our precious public resources in building a world-class system for generations to come. The nation is watching, and we are excited to show them how we transform our transit system to supercharge the future of Northeastern Illinois.
NITA implementation focuses on creating a rider-centered, high quality transit system throughout Northeastern Illinois.
In October 2025, Illinois legislators passed historic legislation that fundamentally transforms our region’s transit system. The legislation was drafted to not only address a substantial budget deficit, but to reimagine our system, how it functions, and the service it provides. With the creation of and regional leadership by the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) starting June 1, 2026, the Chicago region can build a next-generation transit experience providing:
- An extensive, efficient, and comfortable transit network will improve Chicago’s position as a world-class region and get
visitors and residents where they want to go. - Safety will be improved for riders and transit workers through coordinated oversight, proactive measures and new agency
departments and committees. - Economic growth for businesses, workers, and communities will be achieved by improving transit access to jobs,
healthcare, retail, and recreation. Enhanced transit will set up the region to welcome more residents in the future and
support their sustainable mobility. - Equity of the region will be improved by providing affordable high-quality transportation enabling access to major regional
destinations for people of all ages and abilities. - Accountability under a reformed and transparent regional structure will ensure the public understands what investments
we are making, why, and whether we are delivering what was promised. - Seamless service and fare integration across CTA, Metra, and Pace will enable riders to easily pay one fare to ride throughout the region
- Equitable transit-oriented development will mean more places to live, work, and shop near transit.
- Reduced congestion and improved air quality will result from more people using more sustainable transportation.
