The project provides for a Pantagraph inspection system and ultrasonic detection system that will allow for the real-time inspection of cars and locomotives. New servers hosting command and control software will be purchased and added to the system. Metra will also purchased a software suite, which consolidates alarm events and data from an unlimited number of sensors and information sources into a unified, interactive user interface. Funding: 2017 ICE: $1,000,000

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 Visual Information System (VIS) is an electronic visual sign system located centrally at the station platform that provides current information about our train service. The VIS system helps Metra stations become more ADA compliant by providing visual information of announcements, train delays, and other information that are helpful to our to our hearing and non-hearing impaired-commuters. Currently, Metra has 80 stations that do not have VIS systems. Funding: 2011 ICE: $691,913

The project will use funds to acquire and install 12 Ventra Vending machines at high volume transfer and boarding locations throughout our service area. Units will be placed in locations such as Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Waukegan as well as Harvey, Chicago Heights, Golf Mill, Des Plaines and other Cook County locations. Funding: 2015 ICE: $810,000

This is a demonstration project for the installation of a heated platform technology for snow removal. Metra will identify locations to test the technology with a variety of existing platform materials. In these various tests, Metra will be looking to determine which platform materials best accept heat, evenly distribute the heat across the entire platform, and efficiently use energy to provide the heat. FY 2016 ICE funds will be used for this project element. Funding: 2016 ICE: $742,000