NICTI

Welcome to the Northern Illinois Commuter Transportation Initiative (NICTI) Website. This site has been created to facilitate public input and provide information about the study process and schedule. We invite you to explore the site and provide your comments and recommendations regarding the study through our "Get Involved" section.

On April 30, 2008 the NICTI Executive Committee announced the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) after the results of the second level screening were reviewed. The transit alternative selected is a commuter rail line that would link downtown Rockford with the communities of Belvidere, Marengo and Huntley to the City of Elgin including to employment centers east of Elgin in Schaumburg, Bensenville and the O’Hare Airport area. The new commuter rail line would travel between Rockford and Elgin on existing freight tracks; at Elgin, the service would connect with the Metra Milwaukee District Line. The NICTI Alternative Analysis DRAFT Second Level Screening Executive Summary Report can be viewed in full by clicking on this link: DRAFT Second Level Screening Executive Summary Report In order for the NICTI project to move forward, the Rockford Area Transportation Study (RATS) approval will be needed. RATS, the local metropolitan planning organization, will vote on the recommendation in the future.

It is anticipated that the next round of public meetings will be held in summer 2008. The details will be posted on the website when they are finalized.