The Rail Traffic Controller (RTC) program simulates train traffic over a rail network using a highly sophisticated dispatching system. Currently, all Class 1 railroads use the RTC program to eliminate unnecessary delays and improve the fluidity over their systems. The program will allow Metra to perform the same analysis and improve our scheduling process as compared to our current practices. The improved process will directly impact the overall customer experience by creating schedules that effectively take advantage of all aspects of Metra's rail network. RTC will also be used to help identify possible capital investments, aid in identifying areas of operation to maximize the use of the system, and enhance the overall customer experience. Funding: 2011 ICE: $40,472

Furnish and install a Network and Telephone Systems Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery system. This project will provide funding to meet control center requirements: a) Deploy Alternate Control Center: The alternate control center should include full functionality similar to the current primary CTA control center. The resources needed to perform the specified functions should be defined, documented, and included in the plan for the alternate control center. b) Information Technology Applications Required for Disaster Recovery: Assess current applications technology stack, address any required upgrades prior to implementing Disaster Recovery solutions, and propose alternative technology solutions for required field technology components (i.e. RF communications infrastructure cannot be duplicated).

This project will involve the installation of gate boards and big boards at downtown stations. The entire project will include up to 80 gate boards at the 5 downtown stations.

The project includes operational improvements to the identified bus routes as follows:

26 - Expanded hours of service and all trips will begin and end at 103rd/Stony Island;

34 - More frequent midday and evening service;

71 - More frequent midday service all trips operation to and from 112th/Torrence improving frequency of service south of 73rd St;

95 - Routes 95E and 95W are combined into a single route providing more convenient service for customers traveling along 95th St;

119 - More frequent midday and evening service; and Green Line rail service improvements offering more frequent service from Cottage Grove and 63rd/Ashland during AM and PM rush.

4 Cottage Grove - Selected trips extended throughout the day from 95th to 115th/Cottage Grove.

X9 Ashland Express and #X49 Western Express bus routes Rush period limited stop bus service in the busy Ashland and Western bus corridors.

Funding:
2018 ICE: $6,037,270

The MMIS Modules and Upgrade Project entails upgrading the current MMIS software to the latest version, adding additional software modules for electronic document management, standardizing bus and rail maintenance data, and providing a platform for user defined reports. Funding: 2008 ICE: $992,875