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.

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.

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.

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.