Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Projects

The current GE system that makes platform announcements is becoming outdated with no upgrade potential and has deficiencies.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.

This project includes but is not limited to the implementation, launch, continuation, and improvement of mobile ticketing on the Metra system. This project may include the purchase of conductor handheld devices, as well as training. This project may include but not be limited to the costs involved with the contract with Cubic, the base cost, processing and monthly service fees, as well as all material purchases. All testing will be included in this project that will include but not be limited to on-board credit card sales and printers at home and other app testing. All trip planning is included in this project. Other elements that may be included in this project are marketing, service fees, attorney fees, testing. FY 2015, 2016 and 2017 ICE funds will be used for this project. The operating costs may eventually be offset by increased ridership from the convenience of mobile ticketing.

This project involves developing a vehicle replacement program that includes but is not limited to police cars, police SUVS, and other trucks that are used by the Mechanical Department. The less fuel efficient cars, such as Crown Victoria's and Ford SUVS will be replaced with hybrid models. Operating costs will be reduced by fuel savings.

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.

Esri will develop an agency-wide GIS Strategic Plan or System of Engagement (SoE) that will provide CTA with a roadmap for future uses of GIS within agency departments. Esri will conduct detailed interviews with business units to establish their GIS needs and identify data, maps and apps that are necessary to achieve their goals. The goal of the SoE is to provide a way for all business units to utilize GIS to improve processes, make work more efficient, retrieve and create authoritative data, effectively utilize applications, provide convenient access to relevant spatial data, and share contributions throughout the agency. The recommended technology with be reusable and the applications will be configurable with little or no custom code.

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.

Esri will develop an agency-wide GIS Strategic Plan or System of Engagement (SoE) that will provide CTA with a roadmap for future uses of GIS within agency departments. Esri will conduct detailed interviews with business units to establish their GIS needs and identify data, maps and apps that arenecessary to achieve their goals. The goal of the SoE is to provide a way for all business units to utilize GIS to improve processes, make work more efficient, retrieve and create authoritative data, effectively utilize applications, provide convenient access to relevant spatial data, and share contributions throughout the agency. The recommended technology with be reusable and the applications will be configurable with little or no custom code.

The project is to enhance CTA’s Safety Management System (SMS) implementation by applying technological innovations to its safety risk management process and collaborating with contracted subject matter experts in transit safety performance and risk reduction.

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.