Illinois Advances Regional Transit Consolidation

Illinois seeks consultant to establish transit authority consolidating CTA, Metra, Pace

Illinois DOT Seeks Firm to Build Transit Authority

The Illinois Department of Transportation issued a Request for Proposal to help establish the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, officials said. The new authority will consolidate oversight of the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace under a single regional structure. NITA was created by legislation Governor JB Pritzker signed in December 2025 to modernize public transit across Illinois.

Reform Targets Country's Third-Largest System

The consolidation represents the most significant structural reform in decades for the nation's third-largest transit system, according to the state transportation department. NITA will oversee a network spanning 4,700 miles that provides 373 million rides annually. The legislation provides $1.5 billion in annual transit and infrastructure funding without imposing new statewide taxes. The three agencies currently operate independently with separate governance structures, budgets, and planning processes.

Consultant to Recommend Efficiency Measures

The selected consulting firm will provide expertise on centralizing key functions and identifying efficiencies across the three transit agencies, officials said. The scope of work includes analyzing administrative operations, procurement systems, maintenance practices, and service coordination opportunities. Illinois DOT will also establish two new committees to increase coordination between downstate transit agencies and integrate transit-supportive design into highway projects. Officials didn't specify the contract value or selection timeline for the RFP.

Report Due to State Leaders in 2027

The consulting work will culminate in a report with actionable recommendations to the governor and General Assembly in 2027, according to the transportation department. That timeline gives the selected firm roughly two years to complete the analysis and develop implementation strategies. Officials haven't said when the authority will begin operational oversight of the three agencies or what interim governance changes might occur before the 2027 report.

Riders Face Years of Transition

Riders of CTA, Metra, and Pace should expect gradual changes as the new authority takes shape over the coming years, though day-to-day service will continue during the transition. The consolidation aims to improve coordination between the three systems and create more seamless regional connections. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for CTA, Metra, and Pace routes throughout the transition period.