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.

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.

Quick Change Oil System - (1) reduces time to change oil - optimizes preventive maintenance; (2) Improves cleanliness, minimum oil spillage; (3) Bus Mechanic labor savings.

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.

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.

The project will provide operating assistance (due to loss of revenue related to COVID-19) to CTA System-wide. Funds can be used for any operating shortfall.

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.

To attract new riders and retain current ones, the CTA will remain focused on providing a healthy,clean, and comfortable riding environment, and continue to make investments to modernize the system and improve the overall experience of our customers. (1) Enhanced Cleaning Tools and Measures; to include multiple daily cleanings, targeted deep cleanings of 150 buses and 150 rail cars each night, Mobile Cleaning SWAT teams and efficient Air Circulation. (2) Customer Amenities: Free Masks, Travel Healthy Kits distributes to customers, Ridership Dashboard Information uses technology to help customers plan their trips to avoid heavy ridership periods or overcrowding.

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.

Replace inefficient thermally broken storefront entrance systems with new heavy duty monumental type aluminum doors at the 203 N. LaSalle side of the Clark/Lake platform and the SOIC side of the Clark/Lake platform. The replacement of sixteen (16) total doors including but not limited to eight (8) transom lights and sixteen (16) heavy duty closers. Includes Clark/Lake entrance doors to platform at State of Illinois center.