Chicago transit ideas take shape as NITA prepares its 2027 budget

Chicago riders have a chance to weigh in on the future of local transit as the Northern Illinois Transit Authority prepares its 2027 budget. The new agency overseeing CTA, Metra and Pace is seeking public input, with nearly $1.5 billion in additional funding informing a discussion about what improvements should come next.

The ideas outlined by transit and community advocates range from faster bus routes to easier rail transfers and more homes near stations. These are recommendations, not announced construction commitments. For Chicago residents, the discussion touches on everyday questions about getting to work, reaching a train and finding housing close to useful transit service.

Western and Ashland avenues are among the Chicago corridors advocates want considered for bus rapid transit. Amy Rynell, executive president of the Active Transportation Alliance, favors Western Avenue, pointing to dedicated lanes, payment before boarding, station-style stops and traffic signals that help buses move efficiently. Andrew Mack, an organizer with the Bridgeport Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride and a founding member of the 11th Ward Safe Streets Union, also wants Ashland included.

Rail proposals focus on both connections and frequency. Peter Tucic, vice president of public policy for the Chicago Lighthouse, supports linking downtown Metra lines through tunnels, an idea known as STAR:Line. Rick Harnish, executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance, recommends electrified Metra service with departures at least every 15 minutes. He identifies Metra Electric, particularly its South Chicago Branch, as a promising starting point.

Another proposal would make a specific downtown transfer easier. Joseph Schwieterman, director of DePaul University's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development, recommends a tunnel connecting Chicago Union Station with the Blue Line's Clinton station. His suggestion includes clear wayfinding and a moving sidewalk if space permits. He says the connection would also improve access to the intercity bus station purchased by the city in August.

Housing and neighborhood spaces are also part of the conversation. Metropolitan Planning Council president and CEO Dan Lurie wants more housing options near bus and rail stops. Elevated Chicago executive director Juan Sebastian calls for a program supporting affordable homes, local businesses and public spaces around transit. Equiticity president and CEO Olatunji Oboi Reed proposes community buildings near the four planned Red Line extension stations, with access to e-bikes and other options for completing trips between stations and homes.

Northwestern University transportation economist Ian Savage emphasizes maintaining existing infrastructure and coordinating transfers across buses, L trains and regional rail. His recommendation puts reliable operations and careful spending alongside proposals for new projects. Together, the suggestions offer several ways to think about the agency's upcoming budget without assuming any one project has been selected.

Separately from NITA's public-input effort, the Chicago Sun-Times is collecting readers' transit recommendations for possible publication. Residents can send ideas to dstruett@suntimes.com. That invitation is a newspaper request for suggestions, rather than a stated official NITA budget-submission channel.