NITA Replaces RTA in Northern Illinois

Starting in September, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace will be overseen by a new agency, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), which is replacing the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). NITA will be responsible for coordinating service, planning, and funding across the region for rapid transit, rail, and bus systems.

The changes are the result of state legislation approved last fall that included additional funding for public transportation and governance changes to improve service. With thechanges, NITA will set, coordinate, and integrate fares across the three agencies.

NITA will determine service levels and the distribution of funding to the three agencies based on service needs, and increased state funding will be used for service enhancements. In addition, NITA will create a law enforcement task force—inclusive of the Metra Police Department—to mitigate crime on all three systems.

Metra said the NITA legislation is expected to generate nearly $1.4 billion a year in new funding for public transportation in the region and will eliminate the need for a proposed fare increase. The funding comes from a sales tax on motor fuels, an increase in the RTA sales tax, and Road Fund interest. In addition, Metra will conduct a study on the potential extension of its Electric Line and will implement a pilot offering frequent service in both directions throughout the day on its Rock Island Line.