SPRINGFIELD — A measure aimed at addressing issues facing the current public transit system in Illinois has been signed by the governor, thanks to support from State Senator Robert Peters.

“Having a reliable public transit system is a genuine need, not just for our communities but for every state in the U.S.,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Reliable public transit connects people to businesses, essential services and opportunities. With this new law, we’re not only avoiding crisis, we’re making a long-term reform in the system that keeps our region moving.”  

Senate Bill 2111 will create the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, replacing the Regional Transportation Authority. The NITA board will comprise of 20 members, with five appointments each from the governor, mayor of Chicago and Cook County Board president, as well as one from each chair or county executive of the collar county boards of DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Lake and Will.

Under the law, NITA will oversee the Chicago Transit Authority, the Commuter Rail Division – or Metra – and the Suburban Bus Board – or Pace – as a unified service under one regional umbrella. By giving NITA authority over public transit in the Chicago metropolitan area, the goal is to create a more integrated and unified system with a single fare system, coordinated schedules and standardized service.

The law will also address safety concerns through various reforms, including establishing a transit ambassador program to deploy unarmed staff at transit stations and on vehicles across the system to provide customer service assistance, liaise with social service providers and alert law enforcement to potential criminal activity. Additionally, the law will create the Office of Transit Safety and Experience through NITA to develop a regional safety strategy, establish and enforce safety standards and liaise with police and social service providers.

“Every single sector of society thrives when people have access to reliable public transit, and it is a proven driver of economic growth – generating $13 in economic activity for every $1 invested just in the Northeast region of the state” said Peters. “A well-funded transit system is a critical social and economic investment for our residents, and I was proud to support this measure in the fall to ensure our residents have access to jobs, education, social services, health care and so much more.”

Senate Bill 2111 was signed by the governor Tuesday and goes into effect June 1, 2026.