New transit law takes effect as CTA, Metra, Pace enter new era

A new transit law, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, has taken effect, replacing the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) with the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). The law includes a quarter-percent sales tax increase to fund $200 million in 2026 and over $500 million in 2027 for CTA, Metra, and Pace, enhancing bus and rail service. NITA will now oversee fares, coordinate regional transit, and explore a unified police force.