Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Projects
This page allows users to search for projects from the RTA’s Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Projects. Users can search for projects by name or keyword from the Search bar or the Filter pulldown menus.
Table results display summary information about each project. To view more details for a project, select the + icon to expand the view for additional information.
Project Title | Project Type | Project Partner Sort descending | Budget | Status | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ | GPS Train Tracker | Capital | Metra | $20,505,583 | In Progress | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
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. Current Activities
All software will be installed by July 31, 2023. GPS Train Tracker backbone is projected for completion in 2024.
Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | Blue Island/Vermont Street Interagency Transfer Improvements | Capital | Metra | $3,831,711 | In Progress | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
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. Current Activities
Project is in the closeout phase.
Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | Luminous Platform Signs at Demonstration Locations | Capital | Metra | $550,141 | In Progress | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
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. Current Activities
Project design ongoing.
Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | Metra Main Line Conversion to LED | Capital | Metra | $937,591 | In Progress | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The scope of this project is to replace the fluorescent main lighting on the Amerail cars in the Metra fleet with LED main lighting. Current Activities
275 cars completed. Installation continues.
Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | 120V AC Outlets for Passenger Use | Capital | Metra | $424,265 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
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. Current Activities
Project complete. Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | Metra Downtown Terminal Information Display | Capital | Metra | $952,500 | In Progress | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
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. Current Activities
Installation continues, project 90% complete
Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | Passenger Information: Signs and Announcements | Capital | Metra | $3,865,530 | In Progress | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The current GE system that makes platform announcements is becoming outdated with no upgrade potential and has deficiencies. This project 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. Current Activities
Contract to purchase & install Displays with Real Time Tracking System has been awarded. Hardware has been delivered to various locations. Installations are in progress.
Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | Milwaukee District North Service Enhancement | Operating | Metra | $535,911 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project involves a two-year pilot to operate additional weekday trains to serve reverse-commute riders on the Milwaukee District North Line. Current Activities
Project complete. Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | Transit Signal Priority | Capital | Pace Suburban Bus | $4,019,965 | In Progress | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
2021 funding will be for radio equipment to be purchased and installed on buses to enhance the existing Cradlepoint system to upgrade to 5G technology for vehicle to infrastructure communication (innovation and enhancement). 2022 funding will be used for TSP implementation along priority corridors as part of the Regional Transit Signal Priority Implementation Program and integration of regional traffic management centers. Funds from the 2022 ICE grant are intended to be used to connect Pace TSP central system to Lake County DOT Traffic Management Center (TMC) to achieve Centralized Transit Signal Priority Systems. Tasks include (but are not limited to) establishing a working group, developing system engineering management plan, systems/software development and integration, related equipment, proof-of-concept deployment, and a system evaluation report. Current Activities
Equipment is under procurement.
Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | Real Time Signage | Capital | Pace Suburban Bus | $456,564 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The scope includes the purchase and installation of real time next bus signs for bus shelters and transit centers in Pace's service area. The 2014 technical revision to the scope added the purchase of Trapeze licenses which will connect the data portion to the sign software. These signs would display the existing WebWatch information for those customers who are waiting at bus stops and do not have access to the internet on their mobile phones. Current Activities
Project complete. Funding Amounts by Year
Last Updated 11.12.2023 |