Funding will allow for more timely information on arriving trains and allow for improvements including digital LCD displays and automated announcements. The displays could show train(s) arriving in the station, estimated time of arrival, stops made by the train, and any service alerts that may influence service. The screens would be connected to a server via a direct network that could push e-alerts, real time tracker information, advertising and other information to the screens to inform Metra customers. Funding: 2015 ICE: $2,725,800

Funding for this project will enable the development of a vehicle replacement program that includes but is not limited to police cars, police SUVS, and other trucks that are used by the Mechanical Department. The less fuel-efficient cars, such as Crown Victoria's and Ford SUVS will be replaced with hybrid models. Funding: 2015 ICE: $1,003,419

The project will provide funding for implementation systems for automated downloads of camera information at rail terminals, yards and bus garages. Automated downloads will provide better access to camera data without manual downloading (as is currently done) on an as-needed basis. Project costs will provide for hardware, software, site design, implementation and wireless network connections at terminals, yards and garages to facilitate the automated downloads. Funding: 2015 ICE: $8,007,280

This funding will provide for several software and hardware enhancements, which will improve efficiency to the Transit Operations Planning system (TOPS). TOPS is a CTA enterprise system that will automate and integrate CTA's business processes related to Bus and Rail operations and Maintenance. This will eliminate the 27 year-old DOS-based systems (FAST) into a single centralized application. In addition, upgrades are required for the Materials Management Information System (MMIS), which is CTA's work order system that tracks warranty information among other fleet details. MMIS has 14 interfaces connecting to Oracle Inventory, Purchasing, and Human Resources, as well as Bus Emergency Communication Systems and the Service Request tool program. The current software, version 6.13, is beyond its expected service life and needs to be upgraded to version 13. Also, the current Oracle ERP system used for Financial, Human Resources and Payroll management among 17 other modules requires critical upgrading. This system is currently on version 11.5.10.2, which will not be supported by Oracle past December 2015. CTA needs to upgrade these Oracle systems in 2015 to avoid significant disruptions to CTA business. Funding: ICE 2012: $906,693 ICE 2015: $5,703,200

This project is for a pilot program to guide the installation of Metra's Automated Passenger Count system. Metra will issue a LIQ (Letter of inquiry) to retain a consultant that has knowledge of the state-of-the-art technology and data utilization. The project may have two components - one being camera driven and the other infra-red driven. Funding: 2016 ICE: $1,000,000