The new portable virtual reality rail simulator will allow operators in training to gain more hands-on experience
The Chicago Transit Board today authorized a one-year pilot program agreement for a portable rail simulator training solution through the CTA Innovation Studio. The awarding of this agreement is CTA’s latest step in adopting cutting-edge technologies to provide riders with safer, smoother, and more reliable transit riding experience every day.
"This simulator gives our rail operators hands-on practice with operational scenarios before they ever face them in the real world,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “It gives our operators realistic, hands-on experience in weather, construction and emergency scenarios so they're ready no matter what situations they may face."
In Summer 2025, CTA’s Innovation Studio launched its fifth problem statement to solicit proposals that would test new, state-of-the-art solutions to address the question: “How can CTA provide virtual reality or simulated training opportunities for rail operators to gain additional hands-on experience?” CTA sought solutions that are lightweight and easy to be transported between facilities, provide a realistic environment that mirrors CTA’s rail system, and can include scenario-based training for operators to refresh their skills.
After reviewing six unique proposals for potential solutions, the CTA selected a proposal from the Center for Research in Railway Technologies (CITEF), which offers a portable rail simulator for the 5000-series railcars.
“Being chosen by CTA for this pilot is a source of pride and a significant responsibility for CITEF. We are committed to building a simulator that captures the full operational complexity and becomes a valuable training tool,” said Jose Manuel Mera, Director of CITEF. “This pilot will lay the groundwork for a new training model, one that allows rail operators to practice not only standard but also critical scenarios that cannot be replicated in revenue service — improving both efficiency and safety.”
As part of this agreement, CTA will provide CITEF a stipend of $75,000 for the creation of a virtual reality rail simulator that is designed as an add-on training solution that will serve as a post-initial training tool. This solution offers CTA a flexible way for rail operators to gain additional practice in rare or complex troubleshooting scenarios (like propulsion loss or brake faults), and to also preview temporary rail service changes, such as single-track operations. .
The simulation model will include four consecutive rail stations and will operate with a virtual reality (VR) headset for operators to view the simulated environment along with real hardware like the master controller on the operator console. Combining the VR with a real console will provide operators with the muscular sensation and tactile feedback of real driving. The VR headset creates a highly immersive and realistic experience. Managers or instructors will be able to select from a few different weather situations and troubleshooting scenarios, such as signal failure, to provide additional learning opportunities.
The CTA will review the outcomes of the pilot by evaluating key performance indicators such as the simulator’s ability to replicate the real-world operating environment, usability of the VR technology, and portability of the simulator, among other metrics to determine whether a full-scale role out of a portable simulator solution would be beneficial to the agency.
CTA Innovation Studio
Launched in 2024, the Innovation Studio is CTA’s initiative centered around testing new and state-of-the-art solutions to help solve issues facing all aspects of our agency and riders. Since the launch, CTA has released nine problem statements through Innovation Studio and launched ten pilots with companies and innovators. The Innovation Studio allows CTA to test new technologies and solutions within the unique transit environment before fully implementing them. Successful proposals are tested through real world pilots on the transit system, and pilots may be scaled into systemwide implementations.
To learn more about the CTA Innovation Studio, including past challenge statements, visit: transitchicago.com/innovation-studio.
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