RTA | Regional Transportation Authority

Regional Transportation Authority

Contact

Region — Overview

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) coordinates the Chicago region’s transit system.

Transit is the Answer

Join the Transit is the Answer Coalition

Strategic Planning

Learn more about the RTA's current plan, Invest in Transit, and upcoming plan, Transit is the Answer.

Innovation

Learn about how we are adapting transit to meet the changing needs of riders through innovative pilots.

Collaboration

See how the RTA brings together CTA, Metra, and Pace to create a seamless transit experience for our region.

How the system is working

Understanding how well the Chicago region’s transit system is working and how we compare to our peers.

Regional transit data

Section 5310

Funding mobility programs that provide independence for older adults and riders with disabilities.

Communities — Overview

RTA provides planning support and funding opportunities to municipalities and transportation agencies.

Community planning

Partnering with local governments to plan for transit-friendly policies, zoning, and development.

Access to transit program

Investing in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure near transit to make the system safer and more accessible for riders.

Toolkits and education

Parking Strategies for TOD

Zoning Guide

Riders — Overview

Learn how to plan a trip on CTA, Metra, Pace, and ADA Paratransit.

How to ride

Plan your trip, view maps and schedule trackers, and see tips for using the region’s buses and trains.

Paying for your ride

Find out how much it costs to ride to ride transit, how to pay, and how to apply for discounted and free rides.

Discounted Fare and Ride Free Programs

The RTA coordinates reduced fare and ride free programs for the entire region. Older adults, peop...

Accessible transit

Learn about ADA Paratransit Service and how the transit system is accessible for riders with disabilities.

Transit Benefit Fare Program

Transit Funding — Overview

The RTA plays a vital role in financing the region’s public transit system.

Moving the system

Learn about how we fund daily operations of buses and trains in our region and how we are working toward solutions to a future funding crisis.

Maintaining and improving the system

See how major capital investments are improving our transit infrastructure and where more funding is needed

2023 Regional Transit Operating Budget and Capital Program

View the next year’s budget, provide public comment, or attend a public hearing to get involved.

Financial Documents

Historic and current financial documents including annual budgets, quarterly financial reports, and more.

Legislative Update: Lawmakers take important steps to make transit system less reliant on fares

Curb management and TOD: Community Planning projects kick off throughout region

Connections Blog

Press Releases

Recent Articles

How to use transit to celebrate Pride Month in the Chicago region

Transit is the Answer calls for seamless transfers, affordable fares for regi...

About RTA — Overview

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is the unit of local government created to oversee fi...

Boards and Committees

Meeting Materials

Board of Directors

Citizen Advisory Board

Pension Committee and Board of Trustees

Staff

Meet the leadership team of the agency.

Transparency and oversight

Oversight audits

Ethics & OEIG

FOIA

Doing Business

Sign up for our supplier portal, learn about procurement and contracting, and apply for opportunities to do business with the RTA

Investor relations

Disclaimer, quick reference to financial and other information for potential bond transactions and investors.

Regional Transportation Authority

Region

Back

Region — Overview

Transit is the Answer
Strategic Planning
Innovation
Collaboration
How the system is working
Regional transit data
Section 5310

Communities

Back

Communities — Overview

Community planning
Access to transit program
Toolkits and education

Riders

Back

Riders — Overview

How to ride
Paying for your ride
Discounted Fare and Ride Free Programs
Accessible transit
Transit Benefit Fare Program

Transit Funding

Back

Transit Funding — Overview

Moving the system
Maintaining and improving the system
2023 Regional Transit Operating Budget and Capital Program
Financial Documents

News

Back

News — Overview

Connections Blog
Press Releases

About RTA

Back

About RTA — Overview

Boards and Committees
Staff
Transparency and oversight
Doing Business
Investor relations

Careers Contact

Blog Fare Programs Online update 1110x545 1

Fare Programs Online gains popularity among Reduced Fare and Ride Free permit applicants

More than 19,000 applications have been submitted using the RTA’s Fare Programs Online since it launched in January 2022. The web-based customer portal allow...

October 4, 2022

Hero MS Fare Portal Promo Image 1000x500 1

New online portal increases access to RTA’s Reduced Fare and Ride Free permits

Gerard Wagner uses public transportation for everything. The 71-year-old retired engineer lives car-free by choice in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicag...

January 18, 2022