Illinois Advances Historic Transit Consolidation Plan

Illinois seeks consulting firms to guide CTA, Metra, and Pace consolidation under new transit authority

Illinois Seeks Firms for NITA Transit Transition

Illinois' three major transit agencies will soon operate under unified oversight as the state moves forward with creating the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. The Illinois Department of Transportation issued a formal Request for Proposal to hire consulting firms that'll guide the historic consolidation of CTA, Metra, and Pace operations. The RFP remains open until April 20, 2026, officials said.

Historic Reform Creates Unified Transit Oversight

Governor JB Pritzker signed the NITA Act into law in late 2025, establishing the framework for Illinois' most significant transit governance change in decades. The legislation created $1.5 billion in transit and infrastructure funding annually without imposing any new statewide taxes, according to IDOT. The reform aims to bolster reliability, expand access, and strengthen safety across the state's transportation network. Transit consolidation efforts in other major metropolitan areas have typically taken 18 to 36 months to implement fully.

Consulting Firm to Guide Agency Consolidation

The selected consulting firm will provide expertise and guidance to centralize key functions and bring operational efficiencies to the three transit agencies under NITA oversight. The work will culminate in a report with actionable recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly in 2027, officials confirmed. NITA will oversee a vast transit network covering 4,700 miles and providing 373 million rides annually. The new authority promises improved service planning, fare collection capabilities, capital programming, and operational oversight across all three systems.

Implementation Timeline Extends Through 2027

IDOT will review proposals submitted by the April 20, 2026 deadline and select a consulting firm to begin transition work shortly after. The consulting process will span multiple phases as the firm analyzes operations, identifies consolidation opportunities, and develops implementation strategies. Officials expect the final report with actionable items to reach state leadership in 2027. IDOT will also establish two new committees to increase coordination between downstate transit agencies and integrate transit-supportive design into highway projects.

Riders to See Gradual Service Improvements

Transit riders across the Chicago region can expect gradual improvements in service coordination, fare integration, and system reliability as NITA implementation progresses over the coming years. The consolidation aims to create seamless connections between CTA, Metra, and Pace services while maintaining each system's operational identity. Officials haven't specified exactly when riders will see the first tangible changes to service or fare structures. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for CTA, Metra, and Pace routes throughout the transition period.