The law, according to the governor’s office, “will redefine how transit operates in Illinois, giving NITA expanded authority over service planning, capital projects, fare collection, and operational oversight, all while addressing the fiscal cliff that threatened the reliability and long-term stability of the state’s transit systems. These improvements extend beyond riders, as better transit expands job access, creates cleaner air, lowers congestion, and supports economic development.” According to Argonne National Lab, each dollar invested in transit generates $13 in economic activity, highlighting the far-reaching impact of these investments, Gov. Pritzker noted.
“The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act is designed to modernize Illinois’ transit systems—from the far northern reaches of our state to East and West Central Illinois, to Southern Illinois,” said Gov. Pritzker. “We are bolstering operations and upgrading trains, tracks, and buses, and we’re doing it in the most responsible way, with no new statewide taxes. For families, workers, businesses, schoolchildren, and visitors, this is a once in a generation investment that will benefit everyone, especially the overall Illinois economy. We need to continue pushing forward until Illinois truly has the best transit system in the nation, the one our riders need and deserve.”
Responsible Funding for Public Transit
The NITA Act delivers approximately $1.5 billion in annual transit and infrastructure funding without creating any new broad-based statewide taxes. Funding is generated by redirecting existing revenue streams and through board-approved regional tax authority:
- “Divert Gas Sales Tax to Transit: A portion of the existing sales tax on gas—historically directed to the General Revenue Fund (GRF) or shifted to the Road Fund for construction—is now dedicated to transit, raising approximately $860 million annually for transit operations.
- “Authorize the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to Increase Regional Sales Tax by 0.25%: The sales tax is currently collected exclusively in the six-county NITA region, enabling the RTA to access $478 million annually for NITA operations.
- “Divert Road Fund and State Construction Account Fund (SCAF) Interest to Transit Capital: 90% of the interest will be allocated to Northeastern Illinois, and 10% to downstate, raising approximately $200 million annually for NITA and downstate capital.
- “Tollway Revenue Provisions: The legislation also includes revenue measures supporting a new Tollway capital program.”
Investing in the Suburbs and Downstate
The NITA Act provides targeted support to strengthen transit across Illinois, “ensuring every community can benefit from a modern, and accessible transportation options.” Key investments stabilize operations, improve coordination, and expand services to better meet local needs:
- “Enhanced Suburban Service: Improved coordination between Metra and Pace for more reliable and frequent service.
- “New regional Dial-a-Ride program and Metra’s regional rail model expand on-demand transit and suburb-to-suburb connectivity, including service beyond downtown Chicago, especially benefiting seniors and riders with disabilities.
- “$150 Million for Downstate Transit: Stabilizes operations and supports capital projects across downstate communities. Local cost-share reduced from 35% to 20%, reflecting smaller or shifting local tax bases. Local communities previously had to cover 35% of transit project costs. Under SB 2111, that requirement is lowered to 20%, making it easier for smaller towns or communities with limited or changing tax revenue to maintain and improve transit services.”
Strengthening Public Safety on Transit
Funding supports statewide safety measures designed to improve security and rider experience across the transit system, including:
- “Coordinated Safety and Law Enforcement: Organizes a Law Enforcement Task Force led by Cook County’s Sheriff to combat violent crime and establishes a Coordinated Response Safety Council with law enforcement and social service representatives to develop a long-term strategy.
- “Transit Ambassador Program and Safety Technology: Deploys unarmed ambassadors to assist riders and liaise with social services, while public-facing technologies, including a mobile app, allow riders to report safety issues in real time to the regional authority and law enforcement.”
The bill also secures $475 million for the Chicago to Quad Cities Passenger Rail project. Members of the Rock Island County Passenger Rail Committee joined Gov. Pritzker at Union Station on Tuesday for the signing of the bill, marking a major step forward in connecting communities across Illinois through the nearly $900 million project that has been a long-standing priority for regional leaders.
“Today was a tremendous day to mark another step on the long journey we’ve been on to bring passenger rail to the Quad Cities,” said City of Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati. “I’m very thankful for the thoughtfulness of our elected representatives who really pushed to make sure downstate Illinois benefited from the entire transit transformation bill. I look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead as we move closer to making passenger rail service to Moline a reality.”
The bill will go into effect on June 1, 2026. More information is available here.
