Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Projects

The goal of the Milwaukee Avenue Transit Signal Priority Demonstration project is to test the integration of Transit Signal Priority (TSP) technology that will allow Pace and CTA buses to interact with multiple types of traffic signal systems located along the same corridor. It includes developing a message set and testing of TSP communication from Pace buses at two signalized intersections; programing of IBS/Trapeze to generate a priority request to send standard messages; and programming of existing signal controller for receipt and granting of TSP. The RTA ICE project will focus on signal coordination with the CTA/CDOT portion of Milwaukee Avenue.

This project involves the replacement of the current GPS, which has exceeded its useful life. Metra will replace the GPS, on-board announcement system and signs on the entire fleet. Metra will also install automatic passenger counters and event recorders. The new system will maintain the necessary current functions, while potentially adding video surveillance, customer information displays and an information system.

Funds will be used for the development and deployment of the Ventra Mobile Application and to provide improvements to the Ventra system such as the Express Menu on Ventra vending machines. The mobile application, for use on smartphones, will enhance the customer experience by providing an application to manage Ventra accounts, purchase fare products, receive account alerts, gain scheduling and trip planning information, interact with customer service and purchase tickets. In addition, the Express Menu on Ventra vending machines will allow customers to quickly purchase a Single-ride ticket or Pass products.

This project involves improvements to the Blue Island, Vermont Street Interagency Transfer Station, in particular additional interagency signage at multiple locations, including both Metra stations. The commuter share represents 100% of the total project cost.

The scope of work would include the design, fabrication, installation, and 3 years of warranty and maintenance of thin panel LED, luminous platform signs at up to six Metra stations. Training for Metra staff for the ongoing troubleshooting and operations of the new signs, and training of Metra staff and forces for the potential installation of future phases of luminous signs would also be included. Limited user testing and customer survey evaluations would also be included. Installation of hard-wired electrical power at all locations, and potential electrical upgrades to electrical service and panels would be included as needed. New photosensors and radar systems to trigger the brightening of otherwise dimly-lit signs upon train approach would also be installed as part of the scope of work.

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.

This project will develop and use a combination of real-time bus arrival signs, Quick Response (QR) codes and a short (text) messaging service (SMS) to create access to real-time next bus information. The scope includes: purchase and installation of up to five real-time signs at five heavily used locations, up to 900 QR codes will be created, printed, laminated and affixed to information panels inside bus stop shelters, up to 15,000 unique code numbers will be created, printed and affixed to bus stop signs throughout the Pace service area. Pace anticipates using the labor of several interns to accomplish this project. This project will also provide funding for the purchase of supplies such as vinyl decals and lamination material.

The scope of this project is to replace the fluorescent main lighting on the Amerail cars in the Metra fleet with LED main lighting.

The MMIS Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Facilities Project focuses on expanding the existing MMIS to encompass facilities. Facilities management data will seamlessly be integrated with the rolling stock data in CTA's MMIS. This expanded MMIS will support the activities of several CTA Departments. A pilot demonstration will also be included to test the use of a mobile device that will allow work-order information to be updated in the field.

This project will provide passengers with access to the train’s electrical system through the installation of 120V AC electrical outlets like those found in homes and offices. This will enable commuter to charge or directly use their portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and e-readers, while on-board Metra trains. Electrical outlets will be provided on up to 300 commuter cars, including cars on the Metra Electric District and trailer cars used on the other lines. The cost of installation is estimated to be approximately $3,000 per car. Outlets have been installed on 81 cars as part of a previous car rehabilitation project.