June 1st saw the beginning of the end of the Regional Transportation Authority, long the umbrella entity for Chicago's Metra commuter rail, the Chicago Transit Authority--which provides subway and bus service, as well as suburban bus operator, Pace.
The RTA is being replaced by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, which will not only grant more power to the bedroom communities surrounding Chicago, but it will also bring new funding in the form of a sales tax increase in six Chicago-area counties and additional funds from the state's gas tax.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, however, a key change will be greater coordination between the various operators, which has been absent during the RTA's tenure.
While many railfans may dismiss the RTA and the homogenization of equipment that followed, the services--both rail and bus--have rich histories, representing some of the most visible remnants of the Milwaukee Road, Rock Island, Chicago & North Western, and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroads. In fact, many Metra-owned bi-levels still carry "Burlington" on their flanks and continue operating on their home trackage.
Full Article from the Chicago Sun-Times: New transit law takes effect as CTA, Metra, Pace enter new era - Chicago Sun-Times
Former CB&Q Budd-built Bi-Level coach, carrying the RTA logo and "Burlington" wordmark during a stop at the Western Springs, IL station in August of 2019.
