Dive Brief:

• The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the first transit system to add the new digital communications platform IxNConnect, according to a press release by the platform's parent tech company, Intersection.
• The screens provide real-time management of digital display information, such as train departures and arrivals, service updates and emergency messages.
• The platform is designed to help agencies communicate better with passengers while also gaining performance metrics and analytics.

Dive Insight:

The CTA has been making a number of upgrades recently, as well as announcing some that will be implemented in the coming years and months. The ongoing improvements to the city's already robust transit network, along with the commitment to innovation and digital advancements, likely contributed to it being named as a top 20 finalist for Amazon's HQ2.

In January, CTA announced the route for an expansion of its Red Line rail, the busiest line in the system with about 40% of all ridership. The proposed 5.3-mile extension and addition of four new stations is the first rail system expansion since 1993. The expansion will bring rail to a number of underserved South Side neighborhoods.

Earlier this month, news came of a $33 million safety improvement campaign for CTA's rail and bus stations. It involves adding and upgrading thousands of security cameras, lighting and video monitors. The changes will be paid for with an extra 15-cent per ride surcharge on every ride-share trip originating in Chicago.

CTA is also working to expand the number of electric buses it has in operation. It is looking for a supplier for between 20 and 45 new electric buses and 13 charging stations.

Incorporating the new digital communications operating system adds to the system improvements. The IxNConnect platform is designed not only to operate standard digital displays, but also touch-screens and interactive kiosks.