NITA Takes Effect: What Comes Next for Regional Transit

On June 1, 2026, Illinois launched the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, known as NITA, marking a major shift in how public transportation will be governed, funded and coordinated across the six-county Chicago region.

Join the Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago Transportation Subcommittee on June 30 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. for a ​free virtual conversation about what NITA means for riders, businesses, municipalities, infrastructure firms and the future of regional mobility.

Moderated by Kirk Dillard, Chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority, this panel will break down what changes now, what happens during the transition and what to expect in the months ahead. The discussion will cover governance, funding, fares, public safety, procurement, capital planning, service improvements and the broader economic impact of a more unified transit system.

Panelists:

• IL Senator Ram Villivalam
• IL Representative Eva-Dina Delgado
• IL Senator Seth Lewis 
• Maulik Vaishnav, NITA Act Implementation Lead,Office of Governor JB Pritzker