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

  • March 15, 2013
    Customisable mobile ticketing launched
    ITS and electronic fare collection technology specialist Init is to partner with GlobeSherpa on the release of their fully-customisable mobile ticketing solution, Mobileticket. Mobileticket is a new smartphone application that the companies say helps transit authorities connect with their passengers, reduce operating costs, and move into the future of open payment systems. With Mobileticket, passengers can easily buy and use public transit passes via their mobile phone. The solution offers an inspector’s ap
    Read More
  • August 17, 2017
    Indra to upgrade Delhi metro ticketing
    Spanish technology company Indra has is to deploy its contactless ticketing technology at 14 new stations on the Delhi and Noida Metro system. The US$5.2 million (€4.5 million) contract, awarded by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also includes the design, development, supply, installation and commissioning of all technology used for access control, validation, ticket sales and card top-ups at the six new stations on the blue line between Noida City Centre and Electronic City, as well as at eight
    Read More
  • February 10, 2015
    Canon to acquire Axis, expand video surveillance
    Canon is to buy Swedish network video solutions specialist Axis Communications for US$2.8 billion, in the Japanese camera maker’s biggest-ever acquisition. As a key strategy toward the achievement its goal of maintaining its highly profitable structure and joining the ranks of the world’s top 100 companies, Canon aims to develop new business through globalised diversification.
    Read More
  • January 18, 2012
    Cellular communications drive the way forward for tolling
    For more than 20 years prior to joining the ITS industry, Mike Payne of Idris, part of Federal Signal Technologies, worked for Vodafone - the world's biggest mobile operator. Here, he considers how the road tolling sector can grow and learn from the cellular industry. The global cellphone has been one of the most successful collaborative technology projects in the last 30 years. Mobile phone technology developed throughout the 20th century with the first public service in the early 70s. This was followed by
    Read More

Highlighted Content