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 31, 2021
    Microgrids & the new power generation
    Public transportation agencies are turning to microgrids to provide critical resilience in the event of local and regional power interruptions. Gordon Feller looks at projects in Maryland, New Jersey and Massachusetts
  • December 29, 2021
    SolTrans deepens ties with Transit 
    Public transport riders in California are aided by real-time ETAs, trip planning and navigation
  • January 6, 2016
    Houston Metro upgrades time keeping and bid dispatch system
    The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County Texas (Metro) selected Init to provide a state-of-the-art bidding, time-keeping and dispatching software solution (Mobile-Perdis), together with a link to a third party scheduling system, enabling it to streamline labour and time intensive tasks to better manage their nearly 1,600 vehicle operators. Using Mobile-Perdis, Metro will be able to meet their specific dispatching needs without extensive customisation. Driving and work rules will be arranged i
  • June 24, 2020
    St Louis Metro Transit payment goes mobile
    Public transportation users in St Louis can now pay for fares via the Transit app on mobile devices.