Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Projects

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.

Provide upgrades to CTA applications and/or processes including the following: Hastus: Update of Planning/Scheduling software application used for planning, operations, customer information, and analysis. 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.

Purchase of the Portfolio Management Tool, software licenses, and staff training on the Tool to improve IT Process and Program Management. The CTA IT PMO is responsible for coordinating project approval and prioritization with senior CTA leadership and ensuring that project management products (charters, schedules, solution architectures, etc.) are produced for critical projects. This portfolio management tool and process will significantly enhance the CTA's ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects on-time and on-budget.

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.

New integrated solutions will be deployed to support Metra's Transportation Division's operations. Included in this are enhancements and new functionality for Metra's crew calling systems, new solutions to integrate existing technology footprint, and efforts to perform business process optimization and organizational design optimization.

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.

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.

Update of Planning/Scheduling software application used for planning, operations,customer information, and analysis. The Chicago Transit Authority uses Hastus software to optimize the efficiency of bus and rail vehicle schedules and operator assignments system-wide. This software is used for seasonal bus schedule changes, 4x annually, and for rail schedule changes, twice annually. In addition, Hastus is used to generate supplemental schedules associated with school trips and special events. Furthermore, it provides critical reporting for CTA's operations, bidding and budget functions as well as for external stakeholders. Hastus software has been the agency's exclusive transit scheduling tool since 1999.

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 Modules and Upgrade Project entails upgrading the current MMIS software to the latest version, adding additional software modules for electronic document management, standardizing bus and rail maintenance data, and providing a platform for user defined reports.