Applications Close Oct. 31 for a New Transit Riders Council. No Seat Is Set Aside for McHenry County.

The short version: The new regional transit agency is choosing 5 to 15 riders to advise its board, and applications close Oct. 31. The law sets aside no seat for any county, though McHenry County shoppers pay part of the agency's sales tax and Marengo has no Metra stop.

The agency that now oversees CTA, Metra and Pace is taking applications through Saturday, Oct. 31 for a new Riders Advisory Council, and the law that created it reserves no seat for McHenry County or for any other county.

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority, which replaced the Regional Transportation Authority on June 1, must appoint 5 to 15 riders to the council, according to Section 7.04 of the state law that created the agency. The council reviews the agency's budgets, fare policies and service standards and carries rider concerns to its board. Members serve five-year terms without pay; expenses are reimbursed. NITA says the council will meet at least quarterly at its Chicago headquarters and that members are expected to attend in person whenever possible. Staff expect to name members in early 2027.

The law asks the board only to "strive" for a council that reflects the region and "the users of the various modes of public transportation." The application asks which area you are "Representing": Chicago or one of six counties, McHenry among them. The agency's board works differently: McHenry County's board chair appoints one of its directors by law.

McHenry County shoppers help pay for the system. The NITA sales tax here rose from 0.75% to 1% on Aug. 1, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue (how that shows up at the pump). Metra's Union Pacific Northwest line stops in Harvard, Woodstock, Crystal Lake, Cary and McHenry, among other towns. It does not stop in Marengo. Here, public transit means MCRide, the county's curb-to-curb dial-a-ride. It runs 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day but major holidays, and since March 1 a trip costs $3 to $9 depending on distance, according to the county.

A second panel, the ADA Advisory Council, is open on the same schedule for riders with disabilities, including paratransit users, and meets monthly.

To apply: the form is at nita.illinois.gov/nita-rider-advisory-council and asks for a resume and a description of how you use transit. Questions go to NITA at 312-913-3200, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.