Rta Logo 2013 Artboard 1 559aedbe40fe8

Regional Transportation Authority - Chicago

175 W. Jackson Blvd Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60604-2705
312.913.3121
312.922.9274
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Press Releases

CTA
The Ventra app.
The pass allows unlimited rides on the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace in a single day.
June 23, 2025
Pace Suburban Bus
Pace CNG bus.
The lack of funding would end all weekend bus service for Pace, eliminate early morning and late evening service for Metra and force CTA to drastically cut back its rail and bus...
March 24, 2025
RTA of Northern Illinois
CTA bus.
Transforming Transit is a $1.5 billion vision aimed at shaping the future of transit funding and governance ahead of the 2025 legislative session.
Jan. 16, 2025
CTA
CTA bus.
The agency stresses that the next couple of years are crucial if it is to avoid resorting to an operating fiscal cliff which would cut services and raise fares.
Dec. 23, 2024
RTA of Northern Illinois
CTA Bus
CTA, Metra and Pace all recorded their highest combined ridership levels in May 2024.
July 5, 2024
RTA of Northern Illinois
RTA of Northern Illinois Board of Directors votes in favor of integrated day pass for unlimited rides on CTA, Metra and Pace.
The day pass pilot will be launched this year on the Ventra App after the vendor completes development and testing.
June 24, 2024
CTA
CTA electric bus.
The funding would allow the CTA, Metra and Pace to purchase and deploy state-of-the-art green technology benefiting riders and residents across four counties.
April 12, 2024
RTA of Northern Illinois
RTA of Northern Illinois hosts Public Transit Safety and Security Summit
The Public Transit Safety and Security Summit brought together members of the transit industry in the Chicago area with municipal and social service partners to discuss holistic...
Feb. 29, 2024
RTA of Northern Illinois
RTA of Northern Illinois train.
In partnership with the Regional Transportation Authority of Northern Illinois, Metra and Cook County, Ill., the Access Pilot Program will extend reduced fares on the entire ...
Jan. 17, 2024
The $1.1 billion operating budget includes a major revision to the agency’s fare structure and a new mix of fare products while the $574.9 million capital budget continues a significant...
Nov. 13, 2023

Articles

Regional Transportation Authority
RTA has selected eight station projects that will promote fun activities near transit stations and stops, as well as promote a welcoming, safe environment.
The projects will create a welcoming environment and address real and perceived safety issues at stations serving CTA, Metra and Pace systems.
May 17, 2024
Pace Suburban Bus
Officials cutting the ribbon on the new Pace Plainfield Facility, which will be operational this fall. Left to right: Pace Exec. Dir. Melinda Metzger, fmr. Pace Director Roger Claar, Will County Exec. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski, RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard, IL Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, Northern Builders Sr. VP Matthew Grusecki, Plainfield Mayor John Argoudelis.
The facility is Pace’s first new fixed-route garage in more than three decades and will allow for the expansion of its Bus on Shoulder Express Service.
July 22, 2022
Cook County
Octavia Saffold, a Metra Electric rider, offered a testimonial of the positive impact the Fair Transit South Cook pilot program has had on her life.
The final two years of the program will see the partners working on an integrated fare payment solution that supports the program’s goals of providing more equitable mobility....
May 5, 2022
Regional Transportation Authority
RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace have launched a joint advocacy campaign in the Chicago region to share the benefits of transit.
The advocacy campaign aims to strengthen regional pride in the transit network and build awareness on the positive impact CTA, Pace and Metra services bring to the area.
April 4, 2022
Metra
Leaders from Cook County, Metra, Pace and RTA at an event launching the Fair Transit South Cook pilot on Jan. 4.
The program aims to bring better service and lower costs to transit users in regions south of Chicago.
Jan. 5, 2021

Additional content from Regional Transportation Authority - Chicago

The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence is an Illinois membership organization advocating to end domestic violence through training, education and policy advocacy. ...
Nov. 7, 2023
RTA
Maulik Vaishnav
Vaishnav will coordinate with the CTA, Metra, Pace, other government entities, civic partners and department staff to support regional and local planning and programs.
Oct. 12, 2023
Metra
Blue Island-Vermont Street Station depot.
The $3.7 million project included a complete interior renovation, renovation of the roof and repairs to meet ADA compliance for accessible routes and new wayfinding and intermodal...
July 24, 2023
RTA of Northern Illinois
Rob Nash
Nash is charged with developing, leading and managing the federal, state and local legislative strategy of the RTA.
June 30, 2023
Pace Suburban Bus
From left to right: Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), Harvey Mayor Christopher J Clark, Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski, RTA of Northern Illinois Board Member Elizabeth Doody Gorman, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways Superintendent Jennifer “Sis” Killen, Pace Director Terry R. Wells and Pace Director David Guerin.
Pace Connect is a new transit service designed to provide a first and last mile transit option during late night hours in two designated zones and is geared towards third shift...
June 28, 2023
CTA
CTA has purchased 22 new, all-electric buses, with plans to nearly double the size of its all-electric bus fleet.
The agency has purchased 22 new, all-electric buses as part of efforts to advance its “Charging Forward” Plan, which serves as a blueprint for converting an all-electric fleet...
June 20, 2023
The plan outlines 14 key areas of advocacy and action that were co-created with stakeholders to guide priorities in areas like funding, safety, speed and reliability.
Feb. 17, 2023
Regional Transportation Authority- Chicago
Kevin Bueso
Bueso is charged with overseeing the financial function and responsibilities of the RTA at an unprecedented inflection point for the Northeast Illinois transit system.
Feb. 1, 2023
Nick Fewings/Unsplash
A CTA Brown Line train to Kimball travels on elevated tracks in downtown Chicago.
The 2023 budget includes $3.583 billion for operations — an increase of six percent over the adopted 2022 budget.
Dec. 20, 2022
Regional Transportation Authority - Chicago
Transit is the Answer cover image.
The plan vision is safe, reliable, accessible public transportation that connects people to opportunity, advances equity and combats climate change.
Dec. 8, 2022
RTA Chicago
Metra and CTA trains
The new site features a refreshed brand for the agency representative of a forward-looking vision for the region’s transit system.
Nov. 17, 2022
Nick Fewings/Unsplash
A CTA Brown Line train to Kimball travels on elevated tracks in downtown Chicago.
The board is holding fares steady, but notes the region again faces uncertainty as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Dec. 20, 2021
Regional Transportation Authority of Chicago
A chart depicting the survey respondents transit use before and during the pandemic.
The RTA survey shows a significant majority of lapsed riders expect to resume their pre-COVID-19 level of transit use, but increased telecommuting is likely to persist.
April 16, 2021
RTA
Chicago Rta
Users can explore, search and study data from the Chicago region's transit network thanks to the improved website.
Feb. 3, 2021
For the first time in 2020, the RTA added Phase I engineering as an eligible project type for communities of high need based on several economic and demographic factors.
Aug. 24, 2020
RTA
Pace and RTA will explore a possible bus service along the I-294 Tri-State Tollway corridor.
The study will explore existing and future travel patterns along the corridor and ways the Pace network can capture more riders, along with other benefits.
July 20, 2020
The project studied two corridors in the South Shore neighborhood to develop a blueprint for land use, housing, retail and connectivity to transit, all in the context of changing...
June 18, 2020
RTA online COVID-19 dashboard
Rta
The dashboard includes ridership data, service changes and financial information.
June 4, 2020
RTA/Google Earth
RTA's study examines potential service improvements along Metra's NCS Line.
The study identifies three possible scenarios for potential service improvements, including a range of additional weekend or weekday trains.
May 20, 2020
The authority says it will accept applications for micromobility projects to help address a reoccurring barrier to securing funding and completing projects.
March 16, 2020
Chicago RTA
Mount Prospect participated in the program in 2016 and received new shelters and pads to accommodate 60 new covered bicycle parking spaces.
The funding will go towards sidewalks, crosswalks, bus shelters, signage and other improvements.
Nov. 5, 2019
In northeast Illinois, the regional transit system now has $30 billion of unmet high-priority projects, and downstate Illinois transit agencies have more than $1.5 billion in ...
April 26, 2019
On Thursday, June 21, the Regional Transportation Authority will join the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace Suburban Bus and ADA Paratransit in celebrating the 13th annual...
June 11, 2018
The Regional Transportation Authority announced the appointment of Dr. Brian Sager as its newest board member, representing McHenry County.
May 17, 2018
The Regional Transportation Authority, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace are celebrated Earth Week by encouraging the region’s riders to use the region’s transit system...
April 23, 2018
On Tax Day, the Regional Transportation Authority reminded riders about a tax benefit that is good news for both employers and employees: the RTA Transit Benefit Fare Program....
April 19, 2018
The Regional Transportation Authority joined the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Pace, Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway to host the Transportation...
Feb. 7, 2018
The Regional Transportation Authority of Chicago Board of Directors approved Invest in Transit, the 2018-2023 Regional Transit Strategic Plan.
Jan. 19, 2018
2017 was a challenging year for public transportation in Northeastern Illinois, the Regional Transportation Authority region.
Jan. 4, 2018
CTA
CTA 5a33e8dd20db1
The Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors adopted the 2018 operating budgets for the RTA, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace, totaling $3.0 billion.
Dec. 15, 2017
RTA
RTA Receives GFOA Distinguished Financial Report Award for 23rd Year in Row.
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the RTA by GFOA for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).
Nov. 28, 2017
The Regional Transportation Authority has announced the appointment of Thomas J. Kotel as its newest board member, representing the city of Chicago.
Oct. 30, 2017
The Regional Transportation Authority has announced the award of nine projects through its Community Planning program.
Oct. 26, 2017
The Regional Transportation Authority has announced it is celebrating World Car Free Day by encouraging all those who typically drive personal vehicles to use public transportation...
Sept. 19, 2017
The Regional Transportation Authority Board has approved funding for twelve projects through the federally-funded Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with...
Aug. 25, 2017
Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois Chairman Kirk Dillard has been chosen to receive a 2017 Local Distinguished Service Award by the American Public Transportatio...
Aug. 7, 2017
Cubic Transportation Systems has announced its support for National Dump the Pump Day on June 15 through its partnership with Chicago’s regional transit agencies.
June 15, 2017
On Thursday, June 15, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will join the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace Bus in celebrating the 12th annual Dump the Pump...
June 6, 2017
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) announced the availability of funding and technical assistance for transportation...
May 1, 2017
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), CTA, Metra and Pace are celebrating Earth Week — culminating in Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 — by encouraging the region’s riders...
April 17, 2017
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) recently released its annual peer performance measure reports which examine Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace performance...
March 16, 2017
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) announced a call for Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities projects.
March 3, 2017
Amtrak
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The City of Chicago’s ambitious plans to modernize and transform Chicago Union Station and the surrounding West Loop area received a major boost on January 12 with the announcement...
Jan. 13, 2017
The RTA has an idea for a New Year’s Resolution you can keep! It’s healthy, good for the economy and the environment and affordable. Ride the region’s transit system in 2017 and...
Jan. 1, 2017
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors recently adopted the 2017 operating budgets for the RTA, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace, totaling...
Dec. 21, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is announcing a new online, interactive procurement portal, or “e-portal,” designed to make the procurement process easier and more...
Dec. 9, 2016
The Chicago Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association...
Dec. 9, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has reported that the Village of Palatine’s recently approved Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan is funded through the RTA’s Community...
Nov. 30, 2016
The RTA, in collaboration with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Tollway, has announced it will host...
Nov. 2, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board has approved funding for ten projects through the federally-funded Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals ...
Oct. 24, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is celebrating World Car Free Day by encouraging all those who typically drive personal vehicles to use public transportation next ...
Sept. 19, 2016
Amtrak
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Amtrak has narrowed the field to four teams that will compete to be selected as Master Developer for commercial elements of Chicago Union Station (CUS) and other neighboring properties...
Sept. 19, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) was once again the recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Budget...
Aug. 4, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) recently announced that the region’s public transportation marketing campaign, Ride On., is being awarded the American Public Transportation...
Aug. 2, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) joins nearly 50 million Americans with disabilities in celebrating the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
July 18, 2016
The restoration of Chicago Union Station took a significant step forward, as Amtrak, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago area transportation leaders from Metra, the Regional Transportation...
July 11, 2016
Summer fun is just a short ride away and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is reminding riders that public transportation offers a fast and convenient way to get around...
July 8, 2016
Summer fun is just a short ride away and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is reminding riders that public transportation offers a fast and convenient way to get around...
June 17, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace bus are reminding residents to ‘Dump the Pump’ and take public transportation on Thursday...
June 6, 2016
Summer fun is just a short ride away and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is reminding riders that public transportation offers a fast and convenient way to get around...
June 2, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is issuing a Call for Projects for its Access to Transit Improvement Program.
April 26, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), along with the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace, are continuing to celebrate Earth Day and encourage everyone to celebrate...
April 23, 2016
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is once again the recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement...
Feb. 11, 2016
RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden issued the following statement in regards to passage of the federal FAST Act:Again, I want to thank the United States Congress and especially...
Dec. 8, 2015
The Village of Melrose Park Board of Trustees recently adopted a Broadway Avenue Corridor Plan which includes proposed improvements to the corridor and access to public transportation...
Nov. 19, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is helping to fund transit-related improvements including sidewalks, bus shelters, bike racks and pedestrian crosswalks, to make it...
Oct. 29, 2015
The Chicago Cubs return to their friendly confines tonight in hopes of taking the next three games against the New York Mets on their home turf. The Regional Transportation Authority...
Oct. 20, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is a leader in fostering Transit Oriented Development (TOD) creation in the six-county RTA region and is proud to support the city ...
Sept. 25, 2015
The village of Libertyville, located about 40 miles northwest of Chicago in Lake County, has announced plans to develop a transit-oriented development plan to enhance the area...
Sept. 3, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is once again the recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Budget...
Aug. 27, 2015
The village of Bartlett announced plans to develop a transit-oriented development plan to enhance the area surrounding its Metra station, thanks in part to funding from the Regional...
Aug. 18, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) stands in support of a letter sent July 13 to the leadership of the U.S. House and Senate from the Advisory Board of Getting America...
July 15, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace join the more than 56 million Americans with disabilities in celebrating the 25th ...
July 14, 2015
The city of Aurora recently announced two transit-related plans on which it is working with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The first includes plans to improve pedestrian...
July 1, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is excited to announce that the transit region’s Ride On. marketing campaign is a Silver winner of the 36th Annual Telly Awards in ...
June 26, 2015
Summer fun is just a short ride away and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is reminding riders that they can beat the traffic by taking the fastest and most convenient...
June 26, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is challenging RTA region residents to take the pledge to ‘Dump the Pump’ and take transit on June 18. This is the 10th annual Dump...
June 5, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) recently announced that its RTA Authority Mapping and Statistics (RTAMS) website has been updated and provides even more information...
April 24, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), along with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace, are celebrating Earth Day 2015 by continuing a weeklong campaign to...
April 21, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) recently released its annual Peer Performance Measure Reports which examine Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace performance...
April 14, 2015
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) ,the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace, Amtrak, and regional transportation partners are joining together April 9 to “Stand...
April 9, 2015
Seven projects get the green light.
Nov. 20, 2014
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has released its annual performance measure reports: the Regional Report Card, which looks at regional transit performance, and the...
Oct. 17, 2014
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) announced April 17 that – compared to other large cities – the Chicago area’s mass transit system performs well when it comes to efficiency...
April 17, 2014
RTA helps secure nearly $21 million in capital funding for region's transit system.
April 11, 2014
RTA lawsuit claims fuel companies set up sham offices in Genoa, Savanna and Morris to avoid taxes in the RTA Region
March 20, 2014
Join the RTA for Transit Employee Appreciation Day on March 18
March 14, 2014
By the end of 2015, commuters in LaGrange will enjoy easier access to the Metra station in their community; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) riders will notice new development ...
Feb. 27, 2014
RTA Board Chairman John S. Gates, Jr. discussed Jan. 16 at the transit oversight agency’s monthly board meeting the enormous impact of the weather on the region’s transit agencies...
Jan. 16, 2014
After nearly two decades of service with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Joseph Costello has announced his retirement as the agency’s executive director, the RTA ...
Dec. 10, 2013
Projects to focus on planning of local transit-oriented opportunities.
Nov. 4, 2013
The Regional Transportation Authority is adding an important new feature to its Trip Planner service, found at www.rtachicago.com. Specific route information alerts are now included...
Oct. 4, 2013
The RTA announced that a TOD plan in the Village of Prairie Grove, for which the RTA provided $95,000 in funding in addition to staff time, will be honored by the Illinois Chapter...
Oct. 2, 2013
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Customer Service Center is moving to a new location as of October 7, 2013. The new Center will be located in the Cook County Building...
Oct. 1, 2013
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is mailing the new Ventra permits to the reduced fare, ride free and ADA paratransit customers.
Sept. 16, 2013
“Don’t Sit in Traffic – Join the Movement!” is the theme of this year’s Car Free Week, presented by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and Active Transportation Alliance...
Sept. 5, 2013
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors has adopted the 2013 Regional Transit Strategic Plan, which will serve as the roadmap for planning and development...
Sept. 3, 2013
Two Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) employees are getting national attention for taking the agency’s geographic information system (GIS) technology platform to the next...
Aug. 23, 2013
This is a very challenging time for the region’s transit system and the system must be able to continue to provide service and safety to 2 million daily riders. Though the Metra...
Aug. 15, 2013