Today marks a huge step forward for our communities and the future of transit in Illinois. Early this morning, the Illinois General Assembly approved the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act—a landmark measure providing a $1.5 billion annual investment to strengthen, modernize, and expand public transit across the region.
The Active Transportation Alliance is thrilled to celebrate this moment with the entire community and to thank Governor Pritzker and state lawmakers for delivering on this transformative vision.
This victory was also forged by everyone who spoke up, took action, and pushed for the transit system Illinoisans deserve. From riders and neighbors to advocates, partners, and legislators—you made this happen.
“This is the most significant step forward for our transit system in decades,” said our Executive Director Amy Rynell. “This investment doesn’t just save our transit agencies from crisis—it builds a stronger, fairer, and cleaner transportation network that everyone in our region can count on.”
WHAT THE NITA ACT WILL DO
The NITA Act reshapes the way transit works in northern Illinois, creating a system that puts people and communities first. Here’s what’s coming:
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The Regional Transportation Authority will be replaced by the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), giving the region a unified agency to plan, fund, and deliver a connected transit system for the entire Chicago metro area.
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Transit services will be coordinated to better meet regional needs, with more integrated routes and a single, streamlined fare system for riders.
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Riders can expect safer, faster, and more accessible service, with strong commitments to equity and mobility for people with disabilities.
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New policies will promote walkable, mixed-use communities around transit stations and expand affordable housing near transit hubs.
These changes will mean less waiting, smoother connections, and easier commutes—helping people reach jobs, schools, healthcare, and everything else that makes daily life possible.
POWERED BY PEOPLE AND PARTNERSHIPS
“Our coalition made sure transit voices were impossible to ignore,” Rynell said. “We sounded the alarm, built solutions, and ultimately helped make this vision a reality.”
For the past two years, the Active Transportation Alliance has helped lead the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, bringing together riders and advocates to push for this legislation. Together, we made the case that transit investment isn’t optional—it’s essential to economic strength, environmental health, and a higher quality of life for all Illinoisans.
“Transit connects people to opportunity,” Rynell said. “When we invest in reliable, low-cost transportation options, we give people better access to jobs, education, and everyday needs while building a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable Illinois.”
Earlier this week, that passion and teamwork culminated in a powerful show of support. Along with partners from the Sierra Club, Better Streets Chicago, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and many others, we delivered 20,000 petitions from Illinois residents urging bold action on transit. Those voices made all the difference.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who spoke out, organized, and believed that better transit is possible. Because of you, we’re on the path to a world-class system that puts people first and strengthens every community it serves.
Here’s to a new era for mobility—and to all of you who made it happen.