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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • KeolisAmey reappointed to operate London's automated rail system
    October 7, 2024
    New eight-year €140m deal from Transport for London to run Docklands Light Railway
  • Major upgrade for Mississippi bridges
    September 3, 2013
    Four major bridges over the lower Mississippi are to get intelligent transportation systems (ITS) upgrades, thanks to a US$10 million grant from the US Department of Transportation TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) fund. The project will expand existing ITS systems in each of the three states to complement previous state and private investments.
  • Cox to manage kerbs in Las Vegas 
    March 12, 2021
    Smart parking platform uses video analytics and cloud processing of traffic flow data
  • Abu Dhabi transitions to contactless ticketing
    September 1, 2015
    Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport (DoT) has rolled out its Hafilat contactless ticketing system which was an instant success among the 145,000 passengers who use the network each day, says Xerox, which installed the system. The Xerox Atlas system manages the entire Hafilat variety of paper tickets for occasional trips and travel cards for regular travellers, with fares being adjusted according to the user’s profile, while also centralising sales data and handles revenue distribution.