The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), the new regional agency overseeing CTA, Metra, and Pace, has released its first proposed budget. On the agenda? Free transfers between CTA and Pace, more service for late-night and weekend riders, and—perhaps best of all—no fare hikes in 2027.
Nothing is final yet: the NITA Board is scheduled to vote on December 10, and riders have until December 4 to weigh in. Here’s what the proposal could mean for your next bus or train ride.
What would change for Chicago-area riders?
The proposed 2027 budget includes:
- No fare increases across CTA, Metra, and Pace.
- Free transfers between CTA and Pace.
- Round-the-clock Owl service on six additional CTA bus routes.
- New Sunday service on select suburban Pace routes.
- Expanded service on Metra’s Rock Island Line.
- Making the Access Program expansion permanent.
For anyone catching a bus after a late shift or planning a Sunday trip in the suburbs, the service additions are worth watching. NITA’s announcement does not identify the six CTA routes slated for overnight service or the Pace routes that would gain Sunday service.
The proposal also includes an expanded CTA Frequent Bus Network, additional cleaning and maintenance, and funding for safety initiatives, including a Transit Ambassador program scheduled to launch in summer 2027.
What’s in the budget?
The proposed operating budget includes $5.04 billion in annual expenses, with $1.3 billion in expected new funding from the NITA Act, the law that created the regional authority.
Separately, the proposed 2027–2031 capital program totals $9.73 billion, including $990 million in new NITA Act funding. That money would support longer-term investments in vehicles, stations, tracks, bridges, and other infrastructure—not just day-to-day service.
Among the capital projects NITA lists for delivery in 2027 are improvements to the Western Brown Line and Racine Blue Line stations, along with a new Auburn Park station on Metra’s Rock Island Line at 79th Street and Lowe Avenue.
How to weigh in before the vote
Riders can review the draft budget and submit comments through NITA’s website or by emailing communications@nita.illinois.gov through December 4.
There’s also a public hearing on Thursday, November 12, with in-person and virtual participation. The board meeting begins at 1 p.m., with public comment expected to start around 4 p.m. The meeting will remain open to accommodate comments until 6 p.m.
The in-person hearing takes place at 175 W. Jackson Boulevard, on the 16th floor. Virtual attendees can register through the Zoom link in NITA’s announcement.
The board’s budget vote is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, at 9 a.m.
