NITA Proposes $5.04 Billion Operating Budget
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority's proposed 2027 operating budget would rise from $4.35 billion in 2026.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Corporate Finance
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The Northern Illinois Transit Authority proposed a $5.04 billion operating budget for 2027, alongside a $9.73 billion capital budget. The plan replaces the former Regional Transportation Authority and will go to public hearings before a board vote.
Why it matters
NITA was created under the 2025 NITA Act to rescue Metra, Pace and the CTA from a major shortfall, and it consolidates budgeting that the agencies previously prepared separately. For Illinois transit riders and taxpayers, the budget sets spending priorities across the regional system.
The proposed $5.04 billion operating budget is about 16% above the $4.35 billion 2026 operating budget, with $401 million under NITA's own operating budget. The final figures depend on public hearings and a board vote that has not yet occurred.
The players
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The regional transit agency created to oversee Metra, Pace and the CTA and replace the Regional Transportation Authority.
Metra
The commuter rail system serving the Chicago region, which receives a $1.23 billion operating budget in the proposal.
Pace
The suburban bus service in the Chicago area, slated for a $381.7 million operating budget in 2027.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
The public transit agency operating buses and rail in Chicago, which would receive $6.39 billion of the capital budget.
The details
NITA allocates $1.23 billion to Metra and $381.7 million to Pace in 2027 operating funds, and the $9.73 billion capital budget includes $6.39 billion for the CTA, $2.16 billion for Metra and $412 million for Pace. The plan does not include any fare increases and directs NITA to find $60 million in savings in 2027.
Timeline
Sept. 1, 2025: The NITA Act was approved, raising the regional sales tax.
Sept. 1, 2026: NITA replaced the Regional Transportation Authority.
2027: The proposed operating and capital budgets would take effect if approved.
Corporate Finance Context
The budget implements the 2025 NITA Act, which raised the regional sales tax and diverted state gas sales tax revenue to rescue Metra, Pace and the CTA. It marks the first full budget cycle for the consolidated authority that replaced the Regional Transportation Authority.
The budget sets how regional transit funding is allocated across Metra, Pace and the CTA, affecting public finance planning for the Illinois region. Taxpayers and transit stakeholders should watch the hearing schedule and the $60 million savings target.
The takeaway
The proposed budget signals a significant spending increase for regional transit in Illinois, paired with a directive to cut $60 million in costs. Residents can follow the public hearing process to weigh in before the board votes.
What happens next
The proposed budget will go to public hearings before the NITA board votes on it.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Corporate Finance reporting.
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