Q&A
Are we allowed to apply if we are waiting on our DBE certification to be approved? If I start the DBE application through CTA while I wait for the city would this allow my company to apply?
Innovators are welcome to apply regardless of your DBE certification. Feel free to note if your company is currently going through the certification process.
Do the vehicles have existing POE switches? With additional port(s) available? If so, where are they located?
Buses do have PoE switches, but all ports are currently occupied. Innovators that require a PoE switch will need to plan to provide a separate PoE switch, or possibly their own router and cellular connection.
Is there a way to get more information on the dimensions and accessibility of air ducts on the 5000 series rail cars?
Air conditioning runs through the walls of the train and the primary accessible areas are on the return air ducts. They are located underneath seats in the middle of the car, and there are two return boxes per car, each with two grills measuring 16"x12". The floor opening under the box is roughly 17"x12".
Diagram 1 (PDF)
Diagram 2 (PDF)
What happens after smoke is detected? what is the desired result of identifying smoke -- alarm? Images for identification?
The desired result would be for the Innovator's proposed solution to clean the air, removing both harmful particles and odors to improve customer experience. Alert/alarm functionality is not the primary objective of this challenge.
What is the current service schedule for the air conditioning units and filter replacements?
Bus: Filters are changed every 6,000 miles, with additional seasonal preparations twice per year; once before Summer and once before Winter.
Rail: Regular maintenance intervals are every 90 to 120 days, with CTA maintenance staff replacing return air filters every 15 to 30 days.
Can we consider governance-focused initiatives (e.g., a “smoking car”) or is the challenge strictly limited to technology-based solutions?
This challenge is limited to solutions focused on improving air quality and mitigating second-hand smoke on CTA vehicles. CTA will continue to work separately with law enforcement and security partners on anti-smoking missions as smoking is prohibited on CTA vehicles and property
How many ports are on your current switch and could this be swapped out for one with more ports?
Buses do have PoE switches, but all ports are currently occupied. Innovators will need to plan to provide a separate PoE switch.
Do you have any measurable data on the current air quality other than feedback from your riders?
CTA vehicles do not currently collect measurable data on current air quality. CTA encourages Innovators to propose solutions for measuring air quality, both for harmful particles and for odors.
How many 7900 series buses does CTA own?
CTA owns 450 7900 series buses.
How much does enforcement factor into the pilot and the scoring of the effort?
As part of the pilot, CTA will perform simulation testing without customers on board to evaluate the effectiveness of a given solution in addition to collecting feedback from customers and maintenance personnel. CTA does not expect this pilot would occur in tandem with no smoking enforcement missions.
How will CTA gauge or rate the effectiveness of the technology during the pilot, especially in terms of passenger experience and secondhand smoke exposure?
As part of the pilot, CTA will perform simulation testing without customers on board to evaluate the effectiveness of a given solution in addition to collecting feedback from customers and maintenance personnel. As part of the second phase of the application and evaluation process, Innovators will be asked to identify KPIs to determine the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
What is the normal pilot dollar amount threshold?
CTA expects companies to detail expenses they would incur to pilot their solution in the application. While CTA is not able to guarantee funding for pilots, pilots that were awarded stipends in the first year of Innovation Studio received between $50,000 and $110,000 to cover hardware and software costs.
Is reporting the data of the air quality with smoke important?
Innovators will outline KPIs for their pilot as part of the second phase of the application process. As the main purpose of this problem statement is to address smoke on the system, Innovators should identify how they will measure whether the solution is effective at reducing smoke and its odors on CTA.
Is there a wifi available on buses and rail cars?
Wifi is not available on either bus or rail vehicles.
Is there a way to contact technical experts before we submit an application to get more precise equipment information as we propose a technical integration with the vehicles?
CTA's 7900 series buses use a Thermoking AMII 960 M-2 HVAC system. On 5000 series trains, air conditioning runs through the walls of the train; the primary accessible areas are on the return air ducts. They are located underneath seats in the middle of the car, and there are two return boxes per car, each with two grills, measuring 16"x12". The floor opening under the box is roughly 17"x12".
Our company offers air monitoring. Would there be an option to test prior to providing the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) solution?
CTA will evaluate solutions through pilots lasting up to one year, and will publish findings once they are complete. Using these findings, CTA will decide whether to pursue a large-scale RFP.
What are the payment terms?
While CTA cannot guarantee funding for a pilot, pilot compensation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Project costs should be provided on the application. If a proposal would require funding, please also provide that information on the application. The need for funding will not disqualify a proposal but may result in additional discussions. The Innovation Studio program is more likely to be able to cover costs associated with hardware and software. We are not able to compensate innovators for staff time needed to launch a pilot program.
As a DBE in Chicago, is there special payment terms for DBE businesses?
There are no special payment terms for DBE businesses as part of the Innovation Studio program.
Do you make payments via ACH or mail?
CTA can make payments both via ACH or mail.
For the selected vendor, is there an RFI process, or do we proceed straight to a PO and implementation?
Innovation Studio is a separate and distinct from a traditional RFI or RFP process. Once CTA selects a vendor to proceed with a pilot, CTA will work that vendor to refine the Scope of Work and appropriate contract structure. Any pilots requiring a project stipend will also require CTA Board approval. Pilots will begin implementation as soon as pilot contracts are executed.
Would a 90-day trial be sufficient (assuming all metrics are completed) to move into a PO phase?
An individual pilot should last no more than 12 months from start to finish. Pilots can be shorter than 12 months.
When would be the expected date for implementation?
CTA aims to kick off pilots for the smoking mitigation problem statement in October 2025, presuming CTA Board approval at the October Board meeting.
What key metrics are important to the stakeholders outside of smoke mitigation?
Other than mitigating the small and harmful particles associated with secondhand smoke, other key features of a successful solution would be:
- Low Maintenance
- Able to be installed with little workforce effort
- Perform in a variety of outdoor weather conditions
Innovators may also propose additional key metrics during the second phase of the application process if selected to advance.
Do the buildings where the pilot buses dock have WiFi?
Bus garages do have Wi-fi, though past innovators have found it more straightforward for smaller pilots to include a cellular router and data plan.
I know Amtrak has WiFi. Do the CTA trains have WiFi or POE options?
CTA trains do not have WiFi or PoE options. Cellular connectivity above ground is generally good, but it is not fully reliable underground in the subway. The majority of CTA’s train system is elevated/above ground.
We’ve previously tied into the POE system on buses for real-time reporting. Is that an option here?
All existing PoE ports on the 7900 series buses are currently in use, though it would be possible to add a switch to increase the number of ports. Integrating with CTA's router/network requires integrating into CTA's cybersecurity environment. For pilot purposes, providing a router and SIM card is often more straightforward and preferred.
As a national installer, what is the process to get OSHA certified, or is that not necessary as long as we are licensed?
Installation will need to be able to be performed by the CTA.
What insurance amount is required ect?
To date in 2025, CTA's typical insurance requirements for an Innovation Studio pilot have been:
- Worker’s Compensation:
- $500,000 Bodily Injury by Accident
- $500,000 Bodily Injury by Disease (The “Subrogation Waived” column must be marked with a “Y” on the Acord Certificate of Insurance)
- Commercial General Liability
- $2,000,000 General Aggregate
- $2,000,000 Products / Completed Operations
- $1,000,000 Personal Injury & Advertising Liability
- $1,000,000 Per Occurrence
Pending a cyber security review, Cyber Security & Network Privacy Liability insurance may be required as well, though solutions which do not touch CTA’s network can typically avoid this insurance.
We are always looking to improve our technology. If, during the project, we develop a newer generation or design (with the same functionality and pricing, and no change in backend support), is there any issue with swapping in the improved version?
As long as there is enough time remaining to properly evaluate the improved version, there is not an issue with swapping in improved solutions as long as CTA’s project team is informed.
Depending on the timeline, could we test multiple design units?
Yes, Innovators may propose testing different solutions simultaneously on separate vehicles.
If two different solutions are completely distinct, CTA recommends submitting two different applications.
What are the current CTA policies regarding smoking and vaping on transit vehicles and at stations?
CTA's code of conduct can be found on CTA's website: https://www.transitchicago.com/rules/ Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on CTA vehicles and property.
What are the documented health impacts—monthly or annually—of customer complaints related to smoking or secondhand smoke exposure on CTA transit?
According to the CDC, "There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke; even brief exposure can cause immediate harm. Health problems caused by secondhand smoke in adults who do not smoke include coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, as well as adverse reproductive health in women, including low birth weight."
Poor air quality disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses.
Is there air quality data available from buses and trains where smoking incidents have occurred?
CTA does not currently collect air quality data on either trains or buses.
Is there data on how customer satisfaction changes on routes or lines where smoking incidents are frequent?
Customer satisfaction survey data is publicly posted https://www.transitchicago.com/performance/
Have there been any increases in ridership attrition or complaints (or decreases) due to perceived safety or cleanliness issues related to smoking? If so, can you share the data?
Customer satisfaction survey data is publicly posted https://www.transitchicago.com/performance/
What solutions has CTA explored or implemented to deter or detect smoking in real-time (e.g., signage, surveillance, operator training, sensors, air purifiers)?
The agency continues to work closely with local law enforcement and security personnel to confront the issue in real-time through strategic anti-smoking missions in which violators are issued citations, plus ongoing amplification of both visual and audio reminders that smoking is prohibited. This challenge addresses the final element — mitigating the impact of second-hand smoke.
Has CTA benchmarked with other major cities (e.g., New York, London, Tokyo) to study how they handle smoking on transit systems?
CTA keeps lines of communication with other agencies open on a variety of topics and we have done a cursory review of recent air quality initiatives from major transit agencies. We encourage responses that best suit the goals of this problem statement regardless of whether it has already been implemented by a peer agency.
Does the CTA have an estimated cost and potential ROI (in terms of customer retention, health impact, or reduced cleaning) for implementing anti-smoking technologies or programs?
The pilots that come out of this Innovation Studio challenge will help CTA develop cost estimates and an ROI associated with technologies for mitigating the impact of secondhand smoke.
Are there available grants, public health funding, or private-sector partnerships (e.g., air purification vendors) to offset mitigation costs and is CTA open to collaborating?
Given the quick timeline for Innovation Studio pilots, the program is not set up for leveraging third party funding, but CTA would be open to considering grant opportunities when pursuing a long-term solution to mitigate smoking on the system.
Can you clarify the estimated spend project for this project?
If a proposal would require funding from us to pilot the solution, please provide that information as part of the proposal. The need for funding will not disqualify a proposal but may result in additional discussions. We cannot guarantee funding for a pilot, though some past pilots were able to qualify for funding to cover hardware and/or software costs.