Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Projects

This page allows users to search for projects from the RTA’s Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Projects. Users can search for projects by name or keyword from the Search bar or the Filter pulldown menus. 

Table results display summary information about each project. To view more details for a project, select the + icon to expand the view for additional information.

Toggle Project Title Project Type Project Partner Budget Status
+ Crew Optimization System Capital Metra $500,000 In Progress

Project Details

Description

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.

Current Activities
Design Phase has been completed: 100% Submittal received and reviewed. Received project schedule. Software development continues and projected completion is Q2 2025.
Funding Amounts by Year
Year Amount
2016 $500,000

Last Updated 06.10.2025

+ Install Oil Change System Capital Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) $449,309 Completed

Project Details

Description

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

Current Activities

Project complete.

Funding Amounts by Year
Year Amount
2016 $449,309

Last Updated 06.10.2025

+ Origin - Destination Model Update and Survey Capital Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) $500,000 Completed

Project Details

Description

Provide for the update of the Origin-Destination (OD) model working with the Planning and Ridership departments. CTA has been using the OD model for route planning and service allocation since 2008 to minimize crowding on buses and trains. Re-engineering the model will enable it to read and analyze data from Ventra. Implement a system wide Origin-Destination Passenger Survey - last done in FY 2007.

Current Activities

Project complete.

Funding Amounts by Year
Year Amount
2016 $500,000

Last Updated 06.10.2025

+ Platform Heating Technology Capital Metra $707,051 In Progress

Project Details

Description

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.

Current Activities
The heated platform for the Westmont Station on the BNSF line is currently in design, 60% complete. Amendment 2 executed for additional scope to include platform structure design to meet BNSF platfor
Funding Amounts by Year
Year Amount
2016 $707,051

Last Updated 06.10.2025

+ Hybrid Fuel Vehicles Capital Metra $4,085,408 In Progress

Project Details

Description

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.

Current Activities
Awaiting delivery of remaining vehicles.
Funding Amounts by Year
Year Amount
2014 $1,003,419
2019 $672,363
2020 $85,720
2021 $1,344,710
2022 $979,196
Total $4,085,408

Last Updated 06.10.2025

+ Mobile Application Capital Metra $3,518,656 In Progress

Project Details

Description

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.

Current Activities
Mobile Application for Ticket Purchases is in operation. Handheld Devices for Conductors - Development has not begun yet.
Funding Amounts by Year
Year Amount
2015 $2,379,280

Last Updated 06.10.2025

+ Passenger Information: Signs and Announcements Capital Metra $3,865,530 In Progress

Project Details

Description

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.

Current Activities
Installation work continues to progress.
Funding Amounts by Year
Year Amount
2015 $3,865,530

Last Updated 06.10.2025

+ Ventra Implementation Improvements Capital Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) $2,408,488 In Progress

Project Details

Description

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.

Current Activities
In the next 2 quarters, CTA, Metra and Pace anticipate Cubic will deliver on the following items, which will necessitate payment to Cubic on the mobile app: Final post-launch items for the Virtual Ve
Funding Amounts by Year
Year Amount
2015 $2,408,488

Last Updated 06.10.2025

+ Blue Island/Vermont Street Interagency Transfer Improvements Capital Metra $3,831,711 Completed

Project Details

Description

This project involves improvements to the Blue Island, Vermont Street Interagency Transfer Station, in particular additional interagency signage at multiple locations, including both Metra stations. The commuter share represents 100% of the total project cost.

Current Activities

Project complete.

Funding Amounts by Year
Year Amount
2012 $2,240,703
2019 $608,002
2021 $983,006
Total $3,831,711

Last Updated 06.10.2025