Northern Illinois Transit Authority - NITA

10/16/2026

‼️ Don't forget to tell us what improvements you want to see across Chicagoland public transit. Over 4,000 riders have already responded! 🖊️ Take the survey before it officially closes tonight: https://polco.us/n/res/vote/northern-illinois-transit/what-moves-you-help-shape-the-2027-nita-budget

📢 Help shape the future of transit in Chicagoland!

NITA is developing its first regional budget and wants to hear which transit improvements are most important to you. Your feedback will help inform regional budget planning and future investments across CTA, Metra, and Pace.

🗓️ Take the survey by October 16 — now available in English and Spanish: https://polco.us/n/res/vote/northern-illinois-transit/what-moves-you-help-shape-the-2027-nita-budget

10/15/2026

🔔 This Saturday, October 17, NITA Mobility Outreach staff will attend the 3rd annual Alzheimer's Association Bringing the Light conference to provide regional transit rider information on ADA Paratransit options and how to apply for NITA's Free and Reduced Fare Programs.

The conference is free to attend but RSVP is encouraged! Learn more:

This event is free of charge. Este evento es gratuito.

10/15/2026

Yesterday, NITA hosted its first interactive open house, A Stronger Region Moves Together, at Chicago Union Station to celebrate the launch of the new agency. Nearly 400 riders came to , connect with us, and to share their thoughts and hopes for transit in the region. 🚇

The outpouring of engagement from hundreds of passionate riders was inspiring. This is just the beginning. We’re excited to keep connecting and will share information on more public engagement events coming soon. ✨

10/14/2026

This week, NITA Chair Tom Kotarac, interim Executive Director Jamie Rhee, and Chief Transition Officer Maulik Vaishnav were joined by WTTW - Chicago PBS to discuss Chicagoland's new era for public transit and updates riders can expect to see across CTA, Metra, and Pace in the coming years.

NITA is already starting to make changes and is prioritizing many more across the system such as:
📓 Year-round reduced fares for students
🤝 Introducing a transit ambassador program in 2027
🪪 Implementing a seamless universal fare system by 2030
🕒 Better integrating train and bus schedules
and more.

Learn more in the full interview with NITA now:

It’s a new era for CTA, Metra and Pace as the Northern Illinois Transit Authority becomes the new oversight agency for all three systems. NITA was created by the Illinois General Assembly as part of a $1.5 billion transit bill.

10/09/2026

Effective June 1, 2026, the People Over Parking Act eliminated municipal minimum parking requirements for new developments located near transit stations and high-frequency bus routes. 🚙

NITA, in coordination with Metra, Chicago Transit Authority, Pace Suburban Bus and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, created an interactive map showing locations across the region where the law applies, helping communities understand where POPA affects new development and parking regulations.

📢 Explore the POPA map and share your feedback today: https://nita.illinois.gov/communities/people-over-parking-act

10/09/2026

Over 2,000 riders already weighed in on what transit improvements matter most to them. 🚇 Tell us what moves you: https://nita.illinois.gov/transit-funding/2027-regional-transit-budget

Chicago residents can help shape the 2027 budget priorities for the CTA, Metra and Pace through an open-ended online survey until Oct. 16.

10/07/2026

This afternoon on the TRANSform & main stage in Chicago we heard from an all-star panel of our local-hosts discussing what's next for keeping the economy and people moving in the dynamic Chicagoland region.

Featuring:

+ Leanne Redden, Immediate Past Chair, APTA; Outgoing Executive Director, Regional Transportation Authority

+ Maulik Vaishnav, Chief Transition Officer, Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)

+ Nora Leerhsen, Acting President, Chicago Transit Authority

+ Jim Derwinski, Executive Director/CEO, Metra

+ Melinda Metzger, Executive Director, Pace Suburban Bus

Introduced by: Denise Figueroa, Chair, APTA; Board Member, Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA)

See the full conference program here > https://lnkd.in/e5eKP7cG

10/05/2026

📢 Help shape the future of transit in Chicagoland!

NITA is developing its first regional budget and wants to hear which transit improvements are most important to you. Your feedback will help inform regional budget planning and future investments across CTA, Metra, and Pace.

🗓️ Take the survey by October 16 — now available in English and Spanish: https://polco.us/n/res/vote/northern-illinois-transit/what-moves-you-help-shape-the-2027-nita-budget

10/05/2026

Northern Illinois Transit Authority - NITA, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace Suburban Bus are proud to be your host agencies for this year's APTA Transform and Expo October 4-7th.

Come visit us and check out what the world of transportation have in store for you!