CTA Board to vote on 4G wireless service in Chicago underground
UPDATE: There is no public verification whether or not the 4G vote was taken on the 16th.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board votes on July 16 to award a contract to upgrade wireless infrastructure in subways, including the Blue Line, and underground facilities. It is expected that the project would begin as soon as November 2014.
Considering that the existing infrastructure went in in 2005, before most smartphones and other wireless devices were on the market, this upgrade will offer better and more robust voice and high-speed data services. In turn that will improve safety through more reliable communication between CTA personnel and emergency responders.
“Investing in our CTA is one of the most important ways that we can invest in a world class future for the City of Chicago and upgrading transit technology in our city’s subways benefits the thousands upon thousands of people who ride CTA trains every day,” said Mayor Emanuel. “A new, state-of-the-art 4G wireless communications network is part of my commitment to modernize our transportation system, which will boost ridership, bolster our long-term regional economic growth and lead to a more enjoyable ride for commuters throughout our neighborhoods.”
In commenting on this CTA modernization, CTA President Forrest Claypool talked about the proposed contractor, Aldridge Electric, Inc. “We’re pleased to select a highly qualified, experienced vendor to design and install the modern infrastructure our subway tunnels need, with no disruption to service during the project period.”
Aldridge was selected as part of a comprehensive, two-part Request for Proposals (RFP) process that began in 2013 and that evaluated bidders on their project proposal, experience, qualifications, safety record and financial capability. Aldridge will use CTA’s existing infrastructure equipment, including fiber optic cable, power sources and other equipment, to minimize the upgrade’s costs
According to the CTA, they have funds to pay for the project but is aggressively seeking to partner with private-sector entities to pay for all or part of the $27 million project.
During the entire project period, estimated to be 12 months, the CTA will keep the current wireless network operational and will continue to receive revenue from the six major wireless providers that currently provide service in CTA subways. The CTA owns and licenses its subway cellular network to six major wireless service providers, which generates $1.8 million of annual revenue.
The underground area includes multiple underground passageways connecting rail lines as we as nearby buildings is in addition to the 11.4 miles of underground subway, or about 22 miles of individual tunnels, on the Blue and Red Lines.
The wireless upgrade is part of several technology improvements over the past three years, including expansion of Train Tracker and Bus Tracker functionality, digital information and train tracker screens at rail stations, and a dramatically expanded security camera network.