RTA Chicago

Pace Unveils March 2026 Service Upgrades to Boost Regional Mobility Upcoming pilot projects and service changes at Pace Suburban Bus will expand transit access and improve regional connectivity across northern Illinois.

We are beginning to see how new service standards under the NITA Act will improve transit for our riders, by ensuring that our region’s operators are held accountable for delivering frequent and reliable service. 👏 www.pacebus.com/news/2026-se...

YouTube video by RTA Board Meetings February 2026 RTA Board of Directors Meeting

The February 2026 RTA Board of Directors meeting is now 🔴 LIVE here: www.youtube.com/live/YQcEEj4...

The RTA wishes everyone a bright and abundant Lunar New Year! 🐴🌟

Regional Transportation Authority | RTA-led zoning code updates kick off in Fox Lake, Joliet Fox Lake Zoning Code Update The Village of Fox Lake in the northwest suburbs is partnering with RTA on a zoning code update that advances transit-oriented…

This month, new projects in Fox Lake and Joliet that will make their downtown areas more equitable, accessible, and transit-friendly will kick off, thanks to support from the RTA Community Planning program. 🌇 www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/02...

The annual Chicago Auto Show is back starting this weekend, February 7! 🚙 Stay out of event traffic by taking advantage of various public transportation options – find out how by reading our blog: www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/01...

In honor of Rosa Parks, #TransitEquityDay reminds us that all people deserve to have access to safe and affordable public transit. 🚌 The RTA is committed to building a world-class transit system that provides safe, reliable, access to public transportation for all in Chicago.

“These [ridership] improvements can continue and accelerate in 2026 and beyond thanks to additional funding and governance reform from the NITA Act, with the RTA beginning its transition to NITA this June.” – RTA Executive Director, @lreddenrta.bsky.social.

Regional Transportation Authority | Regional transit ridership continues to grow in 2025 with 12.3M more rides year-over-year 30, 2026 – Ridership across the Chicago region’s transit system continued to increase throughout 2025, according to the latest data from CTA, Metra and…

Ridership across the Chicago region’s transit system continued to increase throughout 2025, finishing the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. 🚇✨ www.rtachicago.org/about-rta/pr...

#BlackHistoryMonth celebrates the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and diversity that are an integral part of our country, but often overlooked or suppressed. Find out how you can celebrate BHM on a local level using transit: www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/01...

The RTA is pleased to welcome Anthony Aguilar as a Staff Accountant!

"Having grown up using Chicago’s public transportation system, I’m excited to better understand the story it tells through accounting and am eager to serve as a resource within the organization."

Regional Transportation Authority | How the NITA Act can advance a regional transit network across six counties New operations funding distribution linked to service outcomes Currently, operations funding is distributed to the Service Boards to first cover the cost…

The NITA Act creates a path toward a more rider-focused transit system across Chicagoland. By strengthening regional coordination, planning, and accountability, the legislation sets a framework for a seamless regional network. 🚉 Learn more: www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/01...

What’s next for Chicago-area public transit? ‘Say More’ explores what a $1.5 billion overhaul approved in Springfield will look like for transit riders in Chicago’s city and suburbs.

Yesterday, RTA Director of Government Affairs, Rob Nash joined "Say More" @wbez.org to answer riders' questions all about NITA – sharing the legislation's plans for safety, fare integration, service standards, and more.

🎧 Listen now: www.wbez.org/say-more-wit...

Say More with Mary Dixon & Patrick Smith Hear what Chicago’s talking about — and chime in on topics that matter to you — from tariffs to construction, the Bears to “The Bear.” Weekday mornings at 10am

🎧 Tune in to Say More with Mary Dixon & Patrick Smith @wbez.org this Monday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m. to hear RTA Director of Government Affairs, Rob Nash talk about the NITA Act and what Chicagoland transit riders can expect over the next few months. www.wbez.org/say-more-wit...

Regional Transportation Authority | What happens next: Key dates and deadlines as RTA transitions to NITA in 2026 The law reorganizes the transit system under the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), which replaces the RTA and takes on additional…

🚇 2026 marks a new era for Chicagoland's regional transit system with over $1.2 billion in new annual funding and governance reform that replaces the RTA with NITA. Learn what this means and key dates that will guide this transition in our blog: www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/01...

Finding your way around the regional transit system just got simpler! 🚉

We’ve added new drop-down functionality on our website, making it easier to find routes, services, and connections across the region. Check it out now at www.rtachicago.org/riders/how-t....

Today the RTA honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy.

His vision for a more equitable society reshaped our nation and continues to remind us that justice for all requires courage, action, and collective responsibility.

YouTube video by RTA Board Meetings January 2026 RTA Board of Directors Meeting

The January 2026 RTA Board of Directors meeting is now 🔴 LIVE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGPP...

The RTA honors the life and legacy of Claudette Colvin.
Her bravery helped to end segregated buses and reshaped public transit in America, and continues to inspire progress and equity in transit today.

YouTube video by RTA Board Meetings January 2026 RTA Board of Directors Meeting

💻 You can also tune in to watch tomorrow’s Board of Directors meeting to hear more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGPP...

The RTA is committed to transparency throughout this transition and new era for public transit. Read what’s changing, what to expect during the transition, and key dates ahead on our blog: www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/01...

2026 will mark a major transition for Chicago’s regional transit system. 🚇 With the passage of the NITA Act, $1.2B in new regional funding will avert the transit fiscal cliff and support improvements to reliability, frequency, and safety for riders.

🔔 The RTA Board of Directors will meet this Thursday, January 15. Stream live at 9:00 a.m. via YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGPP...

Regional Transportation Authority | RTA releases semi-annual project management oversight report highlighting more than 100 capital projects The RTA has released its latest semiannual Project Management Oversight (PMO) report, detailing the status of major capital projects across the Chicago…

The RTA has released its latest semiannual Project Management Oversight (PMO) report, detailing the status of major capital projects across the region. These investments are modernizing transit infrastructure, improving accessibility and sustainability. www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/01...

Happy New Year! 🎉🎇 We look forward to an exciting 2026.

Celebrate smart this NYE — ride transit for free all night! 🚇🥂

Free rides will be available across CTA trains and buses from 10 p.m. on December 31 until 4 a.m. January 1, and on Metra trains arriving at or departing from downtown stations starting at 6 p.m. on December 31.

The RTA wishes everyone lots of joy and unity this Kwanzaa! 🕯️❤️

The RTA wishes everyone a cozy and restful Merry Christmas! 🎄🌟

The RTA, Metra, and Cook County are extending the Access Pilot Program through December 31, 2026 to continue providing reduced fares on the entire Metra system to riders experiencing low incomes. 🚉

Learn more: www.rtachicago.org/blog/2025/12...

CTA is closing out 2025 with more Frequent Network routes and expanded service on additional bus routes

On December 21, four more routes join the Frequent Network #9 Ashland: 10% more service weekdays #12 Roosevelt: 15% more service Saturdays, 25% more service Sundays/holidays #72 North: 10% more service Weekdays and Saturdays, 25% more service Sundays/holidays #81 Lawrence: 10% more service Saturdays, 25% more service Sundays/holidays

We will also be extending the following routes: #75 74th/75th: Extending route to Western Avenue, providing a connection to various CTA and Pace routes along the busy Western Corridor. #93 California/Dodge: Extending route to Logan Square Blue Line station along Kedzie and California Avenues, closing a gap in service between Western and Kimball Avenues

Service will also be added to the following routes: #81W West Lawrence: Expanding weekend service via East River Road. #120 Ogilvie/Streeterville Express and #121 Union/Streeterville Express: Simplified weekday morning routing in the westbound direction to better serve Streeterville residents. #124 Navy Pier: Adding earlier weekday service, starting at 8:10 a.m. from Navy Pier. #134 Stockton/LaSalle Express: Adding weekday morning service. #156 LaSalle: Adding weekday morning service.

New bus service improvements will go into effect this Sunday including the addition of four bus routes to the Frequent Network, as well as enhancements to the routing, hours of service and/or frequency of service along other bus routes throughout the region.

📢 The RTA Board has adopted the 2026 regional transit operating budget and capital program. With the fiscal cliff averted after the signing of the NITA Act, the budget highlights service and safety improvements, and the transition to a new regional agency. www.rtachicago.org/about-rta/pr...