Gov. Pritzker Signs Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, SB2111, into law, marking a landmark action in modernizing Illinois’ transit system. The law creates a new regional authority to oversee CTA, Metra, and Pace, while delivering significant investments in public transit, capital projects, and tollways across the state—all without raising statewide taxes.

The law 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.

“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 Governor JB 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.”

“Illinoisans are on the move and, with this bill, we're not slowing down,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “This legislation ensures our communities have access to safe and affordable public transportation—all without raising taxes. When our kids can reliably get to school and commutes to work are headache free, we'll know it’s because stakeholders across the state came together and found a solution.”

“Today, we commit—clearly and unequivocally—to a transit system that works for the people who depend on it every single day,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “We are saying to riders across Illinois: You matter. Your time matters. Your safety matters. By signing this bill into law, we are building a system designed around riders, not agencies; around outcomes, not excuses; and around the future of Illinois. This law puts people first, strengthens our economy and moves our state forward—together.”

“We have all seen the challenges public transit has faced, and we also know the critical role transit plays in communities across Illinois,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “The trains and buses that connect our communities also drive our economy, help us share the cultural events that enrich our lives, and form the foundation of communities we can afford. By streamlining administration, improving the rider experience, and investing in the kind of transit system we all want to see, this transit bill moves Illinois toward a brighter future.”

“The people of Illinois deserve buses and trains that run reliably and on-time, that are safe, that are accessible for passengers with disabilities, and that are administered without waste, fraud, and abuse,” said State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). “Over a year of listening to stakeholders from across the ideological spectrum resulted in this legislation, which will help give Illinoisans the kind of public transit options they deserve.”

“Together, we worked to avoid 40% cuts to northeastern Illinois public transit service and prevented almost 3,000 of the system’s workers from being laid off–all while investing and building a system meant to serve residents across the state for decades to come,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am excited to see this measure signed into law and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our communities through viable, long-term solutions. These solutions will ensure all Illinoisans have access to safe, reliable, affordable, environmentally conscious, and economically impactful public transit across our state.”

“Today marks a turning point for Illinois. For a century, public transit has been the backbone of our region—connecting people to jobs, schools, health care, and opportunity—but years of fragmented governance, uneven investment, and post-pandemic challenges left the system at risk,” said Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado. “This historic reform ensures the buses and trains Illinois families rely on are safe, frequent, and dependable, while expanding access to jobs, supporting small businesses, reducing congestion, and strengthening our communities for generations to come. This bill is the product of years of preparation and months of collaboration, and it sets public transit on a sustainable path toward the future.”

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.

“This holiday season, thousands of workers across Illinois can look to the New Year with confidence,” said Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO. “At a time when transit systems across the country are in crisis, Illinois is showing the nation what leadership looks like—standing firmly with the transit workers who keep our communities connected. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, and the members of the Illinois General Assembly who voted to support the future of our public transit, infrastructure and working families.”

“No matter where you live, public transit touches your life,” said Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter. “From the operators who greet you when you hop on the bus to the Metra mechanics who keep trains moving during the most challenging weather conditions, our public transit system is built, maintained, and run by union labor. This bill is a testament to our collective commitment to delivering positive change for Illinois working families.”

“Today’s bill signing isn’t just about keeping our buses and trains running, it’s about protecting the people who keep our entire transit system moving,” said Brian Shanahan, Railroad Coordinator, Machinists International. “By stepping in to prevent a fiscal cliff, the Governor and legislature are safeguarding the jobs, safety, and stability that millions of Illinois riders depend on every day. What makes this moment truly historic is the unprecedented unity across labor. For the first time in decades, unions from every corner of the rail industry came together with one clear message: strong, reliable transit is essential for our economy and our communities. This law reflects that shared commitment, and it’s a victory for workers and riders alike. This victory would have not been possible without the tireless leadership of the Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea, who would not rest until the deal was done and transit workers had their voice heard.”

“Public transit is the lifeblood of our economy, and today, ATU Local 308 members are breathing a sigh of relief knowing they will have a job and can provide for their families,” said Pennie McCoach, President of ATU Local 308. “For months, workers and riders worried about the transit fiscal cliff—fearing mass layoffs, service cuts, and their ability to get to and from work, doctor’s appointments, and more. Thanks to Governor Pritzker’s leadership, Speaker Welch, President Harmon, Leader Delgado, State Senator Villivalam, and everyone else in the General Assembly who stepped up, we are building a brighter future for Chicago that invests in the future of good, union jobs, transit riders, and our communities.”

“Today’s signing of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act is a major victory for working families and the entire state of Illinois,” said Mike Macellaio, President of the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades. “Governor Pritzker has once again shown strong leadership by delivering a bold, responsible transit plan that stabilizes our systems, strengthens accountability, and invests in the infrastructure our economy depends on. This bill means safer, more reliable transit for riders and thousands of good-paying union construction jobs building and modernizing transit, roads, and stations across Chicago, Cook County, and downstate Illinois. On behalf of the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades, we thank Governor Pritzker for putting working people first and making a historic investment in Illinois’ future.”

“The men and women of SMART-Transportation Division are grateful for the tireless and years long work of Governor Pritzker, Chairman Villivalam, Leaders Delgado and Buckner, and Rep. Moylan that has led us to this historic day,” said Bob Guy, Legislative Director, SMART-Transportation Division. “SB 2111 represents an unprecedented commitment to transportation that allows Illinois, once again, to lead on critical investments that create and sustain jobs, drives economic development, and truly advances safety and security measures that workers and passengers have demanded for years. Failing to address the transit fiscal cliff simply wasn't an option, so we applaud those in the General Assembly who supported SB 2111, along with the other stakeholders and the thousands of our fellow union members of the Labor Alliance for Public Transportation for fighting every day to get this vital piece of legislation over the finish line.”

“The signing into law of SB 2111 means more robust public transit across Illinois, making it easier and more convenient for people to get around,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Our Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) members and Locals stood shoulder-to-shoulder with labor, community, and environmental allies at the State Capitol, on the platforms, in the bus yards and train stations, to secure this legislation. It benefits riders, improves safety through a dedicated transit police force, and protects the jobs and wages of our ATU members. We thank Governor JB Pritzker for signing this bill into law and the Illinois Legislature for passing this bill. This is a new chapter for public transit in Illinois.”

“Local 150 is proud of the way labor and Illinois’ elected officials came together to ensure this transit bill was passed and that the voices of transit workers and the riders who depend on public transportation every day were heard. This legislation is critical for the communities that rely on a safe, reliable public transit system and for an economy that depends on moving people and goods efficiently,” said President-Business Manager James M. Sweeney, IUOE Local 150. “By committing to a fully integrated, multimodal transportation network that strengthens our entire transportation system—from our roads and bridges to our rail lines and tollways—we are protecting good union jobs, supporting communities, and investing in the future of transportation.”

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:

STRENGTHENING PUBLIC SAFETY ON TRANSIT

Funding supports statewide safety measures designed to improve security and rider experience across the transit system, including:

The bill will go into effect on June 1,2026. A detailed fact sheet with additional details about the bill is available here.

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