Skip to main content

Chicago Transit Authority upgrades rail communications

LightRiver Technologies, provider of fully-integrated, multi-technology communications networks, is to upgrade the communication structure of Chicago transit Authority’s (CTA) light rail Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The upgrade provides the network bandwidth needed to support ITS systems aimed at increasing passenger comfort and satisfaction and improving system reliability and efficiency. The communications network is designed with next-generation packet and optical telecommunications equipment
October 18, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
6749 LightRiver Technologies, provider of fully-integrated, multi-technology communications networks, is to upgrade the communication structure of 1000 Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) light rail Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).

The upgrade provides the network bandwidth needed to support ITS systems aimed at increasing passenger comfort and satisfaction and improving system reliability and efficiency.

The communications network is designed with next-generation packet and optical telecommunications equipment that increases bandwidth delivered and integrates CTA’s systems onto one common infrastructure. The network will support advanced ITS systems including video surveillance, variable message signs, fare collection and ticket kiosks, PA systems, security systems as well as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA).

CTA’s rail system operates over 224 miles of track with 1,200 rail cars running eight routes; trains make about 2,100 trips per day between 145 stations. LightRiver is supplying the communications systems as well as providing network engineering, installation and integration across CTA’s rail system.

“CTA chose LightRiver through a competitive bid for this project because of their deep experience in deploying critical communications infrastructure and success in the public utility sector,” said Chris Horsman, chief information officer for CTA.  “LightRiver continues to deliver on their promise of building a hardened network required by our transit system.”

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with CTA and contributing our expertise to the state-of-the-art ITS system serving Chicago residents and visitors,” said Glenn Johansen, CEO, LightRiver.

Related Content

  • August 5, 2016
    Network Rail successfully tests new trains using advanced ‘in-cab’ signalling system
    An advanced signalling system that will allow trains to travel every two to three minutes through central London was successfully tested using Govia Thameslink Railway’s new Siemens Class 700 trains for the first time. The Thameslink Programme, part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan to provide a bigger, better, more reliable railway for passengers and businesses, achieved another milestone in the early hours of Saturday morning as it successfully ran a Class 700 train through the central London ‘cor
  • July 19, 2017
    Init upgrades Portland-Vancouver area electronic fare system
    Canada’s TriMet (Tri-County Metropolitan Transit Authority), C-TRAN and Portland Streetcar have launched Hop Fastpass, an open payments, electronic fare collection system implemented by Init. This regional e-fare system spans multiple agencies allowing transit passengers to pay for trips on TriMet and C-TRAN buses, Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, WES Commuter Rail or the C-TRAN Vine BRT system, which all operate within the Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan Area. Hop Fastpass is a fully integrated open pa
  • March 4, 2024
    Let’s explore Phoenix: Getting transit right in the hottest city in the US
    Ahead of ITS America's Conference & Expo in Phoenix, ITS International asked Transit Unplugged's Paul Comfort (with Tris Hussey) to offer some thoughts on urban mobility in this part of Arizona
  • December 17, 2014
    Abu Dhabi seeks safe and efficient multi-modal ITS solutions
    Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport is planning to roll out its second phase ITS Strategy and Action Plan through to 2019 which will deploy a host of innovative multimodal ITS solutions. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is continuing to experience rapid growth in both its economy and population and none more so than its capital, Abu Dhabi. To cope with the current expansion, and in anticipation of future growth, the Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan has been devised by its Department of Transport and th