Illinois Lawmakers Advance Multiple Transit Overhaul Bills

Illinois lawmakers have introduced multiple competing bills to overhaul Chicago-area public transit governance by renaming the Regional Transportation Authority as the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) and increasing its authority over CTA, Metra, and Pace, including fare-setting and capital planning. The proposals would establish a universal fare system, a consolidated transit police force, and new board structures that reduce Chicago mayoral control and aim to balance city and suburban interests. Despite these reforms, none of the bills address the urgent $770 million budget shortfall, raising the prospect of severe service cuts across CTA, Metra, and Pace once federal pandemic aid runs out. Lawmakers and stakeholders remain divided over revenue solutions, and discussion of new funding may be postponed until later in the year. Labor groups continue to oppose full agency consolidation, preferring increased coordination. Significant changes to the legislation are expected before any final vote.