Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Projects

Project is for the purchase and installation of Automatic Passenger Counters (APCs) to be installed on Metra railcars. APCs will be used for real-time counting of ridership along Metra lines.

This project funds the development of a vehicle replacement program of hybrid and battery-electric vehicles that include, but is not limited to, police cars, police SUVs, and other cars and trucks that are used by Metra staff. Vehicles replaced by this project are typically older, subject to more frequent breakdowns, have higher maintenance costs, are less fuel efficient, and have outdated or limited safety features.

This pilot project will operate out of Pace’s River Division in Elgin as part of the Paratransit service. In 2025, Pace will purchase 2 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including associated equipment and services.

This project invests in Metra’s new Apprenticeship and Training Program. Metra's Operations Learning & Development Department will build out an innovative, best-in-class Apprenticeship and Training program. This project will combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, field training, simulator rooms, virtual reality training scenarios, and other best practice methods. This project will fund materials, equipment, tools, and training programs in support of this initiative.

Project will provide for the comprehensive overhaul of CTA's Train Tracker Signage at rail stations and integrate with the Authority's Public Address PA system, with disaster recovery/business continuity solutions, increased reliability, and compliance with ADA.

This project will design, purchase, and install new digital train tracking displays and back lit station identification signs. Video boards will display real-time train tracking and service alerts as well as other visual information. At least one sign is planned to be installed at and/or near the primary entrance to Metra's five downtown Chicago terminals. New train tracking displays will improve our communication with the customer and better accommodate ESL and/or non-English speakers and improve ADA compliance. Back lit station identification signs will greet Metra riders as they board and depart the terminal stations.

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 project will provide for the following: IVN3/IVN4 Replacement Bus Fleet, Disruption Management Module, Mobile CAD Licenses and Hardware/Servers Acquisition.

The scope of work being performed will vary by location, but includes deep clean power washing of all surfaces (all locations), station painting (all locations), lighting upgrades, improved platform amenities, renewal of finishes and fixtures, utility and plumbing line repairs, removal of outdated fixtures and equipment, permanent repair work and updating of old/damaged signage.

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.