Vendors will be able to propose new fare entry technologies and tools to replace CTA’s aging equipment while improving customer experience and deterring fare evasion
Today, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) launched a new problem statement through its Innovation Studio, seeking proposals that enable CTA to proactively improve the fare payment experience in rail stations through new faregates or other innovative fare entry features. Transit agencies throughout the country are piloting new faregate technology, and this effort leverages the lessons learned from those pilots while enabling CTA to properly test potential solutions in CTA’s unique environment. The Innovation Studio pilot builds upon the CTA’s recent work to improve the station experience and enhance fare collection with updates to ADA faregates at rail stations and ongoing efforts to upgrade to the next generation Ventra system.
“Faregates are the front door to the CTA, and we want to ensure they are modern, accessible, and welcoming to all riders, while also promoting safety and deterring fare evasion,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “Through Innovation Studio, we can test new, innovative faregate technology in our unique transit environment. This is just the latest example of how our Innovation Studio has been able to leverage their unique role at CTA through piloting cutting edge solutions that improve the rider experience.”
CTA is seeking proposals to address the problem statement:
“How can CTA improve customer experience at rail stations by modernizing fare gates and fare entry technology to address aging infrastructure and further deter fare evasion in rail stations"
While CTA’s turnstiles have performed well in challenging rail station environments, they are approaching the end of their 40-year design life. Work orders have increased over the last three years, and CTA, like other peer agencies, is proactively investigating new technologies in the market to replace existing equipment. This pilot aligns with various efforts underway to improve the customer experience at CTA stations by promoting a welcoming environment on transit and enhancing security through environmental solutions.
CTA is seeking new fare entry solutions that can collect useful data on ridership patterns, deter fare evasion through functional design, and improve accessibility for customers using mobility aids or who are traveling with strollers, suitcases or carts that face difficulty navigating the traditional turnstile design. Solutions should allow riders to easily tap, pay, and enter the paid area of the rail system. They must be ADA compliant, user friendly, and resilient to challenging weather conditions in both indoor and outdoor locations. The selected vendor’s solution will need to integrate with CTA’s Ventra fare system and Ventra readers. CTA has been engaging with transit agencies from across the country about their experience with piloting new faregate technology, and its impacts these gates have on fare evasion, rider security and ease of entry at rail stations. Based on these experiences, it is evident that each transit environment is different and requires a unique approach. CTA is able to apply their experience to help launch a successful pilot.
CTA may select one or more proposals to pilot at select stations beginning early next year. The pilots would run for 12 months, allowing CTA and our regional partners to develop a data-driven strategy for next faregate technology systemwide. Leveraging Innovation Studio’s expedited and open-ended design will enable CTA and its partners to simultaneously vet multiple new approaches. Phase I proposals will be due by August 24.
As the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) prepares to lead transit fare integration and centralized fare collection coordination for the region, this pilot will provide valuable insights that can help inform the future regional efforts. Beginning this fall, CTA will work with the NITA to continue this work through the oversight structure established under the NITA Act.
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 eight problem statements through Innovation Studio and launched five 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.