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

  • Wanco upgrades remote video monitoring
    June 1, 2015
    WANCO, a leading manufacturer of highway safety and traffic control products for more than 30 years, has enhanced its Remote Video Monitoring System (RVMS) in advance of ITS America in Pittsburgh. The company’s camera systems are fully compatible with streaming servers so users can take advantage of the changing economics of streaming technology for portable remote monitoring of traffic, work sites and equipment yards.
  • UK's Hindhead tunnel pushes the boundaries of traffic management
    January 23, 2012
    The new Hindhead Tunnel is the first in the UK to use radar-based incident detection. Paul Arnold, project manager with the Highways Agency, talks about the project. The comparatively remote location of the A3 Hindhead Tunnel has resulted in it becoming one of the most sophisticated in the UK in terms of monitoring and control systems, according to Paul Arnold, project manager for the Highways Agency (HA), which manages strategic roads in England and Wales. It is the first tunnel in the UK to use radar for
  • Arup reveals its vision of the future of rail
    July 2, 2014
    Engineering and consulting firm Arup has unveiled its vision of the future of rail travel in the light of trends such as urban population growth, climate change and emerging technologies. The Future of Rail 2050 foresees predictive maintenance of rail lines by robot drones; driverless trains travelling safely at high speed, freight delivered automatically to its destination, and smart technology designed to improve passenger experience and enable ticketless travel. According to Colin Stewart, Global
  • ITS-NY Announces 2012 Project of the Year Award Winners
    June 13, 2012
    The Intelligent Transportation Society of New York (ITS-NY) has announced the 2012 ITS-NY Project of the Year Winners at its Nineteenth Annual Meeting and Technology Exhibition in Saratoga Springs, NY. “These winning projects feature ITS and technologies at work in New York State to improve traveller mobility and safety, as well as the efficiency of New York State’s transportation system across all modes of travel,” said Dr Isaac Takyi, ITS-NY president. Winning Projects were announced in the following ITS