SPRINGFIELD – The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, a historic investment into public transit, passed the Senate thanks to support from State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“In the 11^th District, we have commuters who travel in and out of Chicago every day, navigating complex public transit transfers and changes,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This legislation aims to create a seamless system for commuters and residents, while also prioritizing safety for all.”

Senate Bill 2111 would create the Northern Illinois Transit Authority – known as NITA – shifting authority from the Regional Transit Authority to the new entity that will oversee the CTA, Metra and Pace with the goal to create an integrated, coordinated system with a single fare. The NITA board would be comprised 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.

It would also address safety concerns through various reforms, including the creation of a transit ambassador program to deploy unarmed staff at stations and on vehicles across the system to provide customer service assistance and alert law enforcement to potential criminal activity. Additionally, it would create the NITA Law Enforcement Task Force aimed at combating crimes that occur on the public transit system, as well as the Office of Transit Safety and Experience to coordinate with law enforcement and social service agencies.

As vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Porfirio took part in numerous subject matter hearings where he listened to the perspectives of constituents, organizations and interest groups on solutions to transit. These hearings played a key role in shaping the structure and content of NITA.

“We listened to the concerns from our community on the safety, reliability and affordability of our public transit system,” said Porfirio. “This legislation addresses each of those concerns, making transit more accessible and creating a stronger, more connected community.”

Senate Bill 2111 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the governor for further consideration.