Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Projects

This project is for the purchase of software that uses train schedules to determine the minimum amount of crews members needed to operate service. This software will be used with the new electronic crew calling system that helps Metra better comply with Passenger Hours of Service (PHOS) regulation for hours of service reporting requirements.

Learning Management System: The project objective is to implement a cloud based learning management system that provides a unified and comprehensive elearning platform that allows for training registration, approval by management and tracking, with real time reporting.

Scope: 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.

Purchase and install Rocket Mobile Communications Devices on CTA buses. The CTA bus fleet is currently equipped with Rocket Mobile Communications Devices (“Rockets”). The Rockets power Bus Tracker, Transit Signal Priority, live video feeds, automatic stop announcements, automatic notification of on-bus failures, legal and claims data regarding vehicle location, and the bus arrival sign updates. The Rocket also currently provides GPS (VTRAK) on trains. The Rocket powers GPS tracking and connections to the CTA network (for transmission of both location and operational data) on non-revenue and supervisor vehicles through the use of Toughbooks and tablets.

This is s demonstration project for the installation of a heated platform technology for snow removal. This system would be used at stations with precast or composite platforms. It does lend itself to asphalt platforms. FY 2016 ICE funds will be used for this project element.

Professional consulting services for support and development of CTA's Enterprise Application Systems.

This project consists of a Pantograph inspection system and ultrasonic detection system that will allow for the real-time inspection of cars and locomotives. The existing cameras at Randolph Street Station will be replaced with cameras incorporating XTD (Extreme True Definition Imagery) and structured white LED strobe lights will be added at each camera location to provide illumination. These high speed cameras will be strategically-placed so as not to interrupt operations.

This project will install a new back-office revenue accounting system to replace the existing system. The replacements will include servers and related hardware, and software and related programming. The system will be configured to be compatible with the existing point-of-sale terminals throughout the Metra system and the software that operates those terminals.

The scope includes replacement of the current IBS equipment, which includes 725 units of Intelligent Vehicle Logic Units (IVLU), Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), antennas, interface cabling, adapter cables, radio cables, and installation & conversion kits, replacement of 34 access points, and the purchase of two MCC-7100 dispatch radios. This project will be phased in over three years using ICE funding. Pace will award a single contract for the whole scope, but will award funding as it becomes available over the three year period.

Provides for the installation of LED/LCD signs at various points of contact throughout CTA’s service area in an effort to coordinate information for customers using multiple modes of transportation. The displays will provide real-time bus arrival information or as an outlet to make other related transit announcements. FY 2013 funding will provide for the installation of additional LED/LCD Real Time Bus Arrival Signs in the CTA service area. In addition, funds will provide for maintenance, installation, network costs and an additional back end leased service needed to support the implementation of signs.