Funding the Transit We Need and Deserve with the NITA Act

Illinois’ transit system faced an uncertain future: with COVID-era funding running out in 2026, there was a real possibility that that the working people who depend on transit to get around would be left stranded as massive cuts would leave RTA, CTA, Metra, and Pace to spiral into decay. Over the past two years, The People’s Lobby and our allies have been organizing not just to avoid falling off of this “fiscal cliff,” but to use this moment of crisis to reimagine our transit system by consolidating the region’s four transit agencies and add enough revenue to avoid cuts and expand service. Late last night, the General assembly passed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, ensuring a $1.5 billion investment in the transit we need and deserve! This is not only a win for transportation equity, but for the climate: making it possible for people to drive less by providing them with a cleaner alternative is one of the most impactful things we can do to protect our state from climate change. Credit for this victory belongs in the hands of the tens of thousands of transit riders who lobbied in Springfield, sent letters to their legislators, and told stories of why their communities depend on a safe, functional, and accessible transit system. As part of the Illinois Clean Jobs Council and in partnership with other transit advocates, The People’s Lobby worked hard to get this legislation over the finish line, and we were instrumental in getting the legislature to use some of the money that would normally be spent on roads and highways for public transportation. We applaud our legislative champions Senator Ram Villivalam and Representatives Eva-Dina Delgado and Kam Buckner for their tireless work that was crucial to making this win happen, and we thank all of the legislators who participated in transit listening sessions, met with TPL members, and voted for the final bill.