RTA - Regional Transportation Authority - Illinois

06/19/2026

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates the enduring strength, resilience, and achievements of Black communities. 🤝🏾

The RTA recognizes the vital role Black leaders, workers, advocates, and riders have played in shaping our region and transit system. Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to equity, accessibility, and opportunity for all.

06/16/2026

On May 31, the Illinois General Assembly passed a trailer bill to streamline the transition to NITA and an updated state budget including the expected new transit operating and capital revenue. The minor changes in the trailer legislation and FY2027 regional transit budget will help maintain transit service across the region, allowing NITA to deliver on promised benefits. 📜

Learn what these changes mean for riders, transit agencies, and the future of Chicagoland transit in our latest blog:

On May 31, 2026, the eve of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act ( Public Act 104-457 ) taking effect, the Illinois General Assembly passed…

06/15/2026

The Obama Presidential Center Official Grand Opening Ceremony Watch Party is happening this Thursday, June 18 at the Midway Plaisance in Jackson Park. Here’s what you need to know:

🚗 As parking will not be available on site, and nearby streets may be closed, transit will be the easiest, fastest and most affordable way to reach the celebration.
🚉 Metra’s Electric Line provides a direct connection to the new center from downtown, the South Side, and south suburbs. The stations closest to the Midway Plaisance are 59th Street and the accessible 55th, 56th, and 57th Street station.
🚌 Riders can use CTA bus service to reach the Obama Presidential Center area, including the newly extended #10 OPC/Museum of Science and Industry Express Bus, which provides service from North Michigan Avenue.
🚊 CTA will also operate shuttle services between 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m from the Garfield Red and Green Line stations on June 18, continuing throughout the entire weekend.
🚏 Suburban Pace buses also connect with both CTA and Metra rail lines, making it easy to reach the campus from across the region.

Be sure to use the RTA trip planner, see site maps, and learn everything you need to know before your visit this weekend by going to RTAChicago.org/OPC!

06/12/2026

The RTA is thrilled to welcome its 2026 summer internship cohort. ☀️✨ Interns will help support operations in a variety of departments including Communications, Capital Planning, IT, and Regional Planning.

This group comes as the agency is transitioning to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) and will support its commitment to adequate, accessible, and equitable public transportation service across the region.

Read more about our interns in our new blog: https://www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/06/11/rta-welcomes-summer-2026-interns

06/11/2026

The RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace are encouraging all riders to take transit to the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) Grand Opening Ceremony Official Watch Party next week on Thursday, June 18. 🚉🏛️

Parking will not be available on site and street closures will make transit the easiest, fastest and most affordable way to reach the celebration.

“Public transit is the best way to be part of this historic day. Whether riders are coming from the city, the suburbs or anywhere else, CTA, Metra and Pace can help them avoid traffic, save money and celebrate safely and conveniently.” – RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard

🗺️ Learn exactly how to get there and plan your ride now by visiting www.rtachicago.org/OPC.

The RTA, CTA, Metra, and Pace are encouraging riders to take public transit to the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) Grand Opening Ceremony Official Watch…

06/04/2026

In May, the RTA Board of Directors adopted the 2026 Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) to identify goals and strategies that address transportation needs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and people with low incomes. The 6 goals established in the HSTP include:
🗺️ Countywide coverage
📊 Conduct a Dial-A-Ride study
✅ Improve subsidy programs for paratransit
🚌 Modernize vehicle software
🏘️ Expand access to suburban jobs, health and wellness
🧑‍🏫 Enhance travel training and education

Read a full summary of the plan in our blog now:

Goal 1: Ensure countywide coverage The first goal is to ensure countywide service coverage by focusing on closing geographic gaps in service at the county…

06/02/2026

This and every month, the RTA acknowledges, celebrates, and supports Chicagoland's diverse genders and sexualities. 🏳️‍🌈

At a time when many LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face challenges across the nation, Pride serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the importance of inclusion, dignity, and belonging. We encourage everyone to support local Pride events, parades, and LGBTQ+ and Q***r businesses by taking public transit across the region this June. ❤️🚊🌈 Learn how by reading our blog: https://www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/05/20/how-to-use-transit-to-celebrate-pride-month-in-the-chicago-region-2

06/01/2026

Today, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act advances to the next phase, beginning a transition period that will transform public transit across the Chicago region. 🚇✨ Rider-focused improvements will begin to roll out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer. This agency will continue to operate as the RTA until September 1, when terms of the new NITA Board members begin and NITA is formally established.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for regional transit. This summer, riders will begin seeing the benefits of new funding through more security personnel, expanded service, improved fare programs and better customer information across the region.” – RTA Chairman, Kirk Dillard.

🗞️ Read more about the NITA Act and projected service improvements in our official press release: https://www.rtachicago.org/about-rta/press-releases/nita-act-advances-to-next-phase-transit-riders-to-see-public-safety-service-improvements-this-summer

05/28/2026

This spring, four new projects kicked off that will make communities throughout the Chicago region more equitable, accessible, and transit-friendly, thanks to support from the RTA Community Planning program. 🚉🛤️ These include:
🔸 The DuPage County Demand Response Transportation Study
🔸 Avondale Blue Line ETOD Plan
🔸 Oak Forest Metra Station Sub Area Plan
🔸 Harvard ETOD Plan

See the project scopes in our blog now:

DuPage County Demand Response Transportation Study The RTA is partnering with the DuPage County Division of Transportation to complete a Demand Response…

05/25/2026

The RTA wishes everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸 Today we are grateful for all who have served and continue to serve.