How can CTA provide virtual reality or simulated training opportunities for rail operators to gain additional hands-on experience?
As part of its ongoing commitment to taking advantage of cutting edge technologies and resources as training tools, CTA is seeking a lightweight rail simulator to improve opportunities for rail operators who have completed their initial training period giving them additional opportunities to practice safe and efficient operation. While CTA offers extensive training on live equipment and this training is extremely valuable, CTA is looking to provide additional opportunities via virtual reality (VR) or other simulated tools for operators to practice in different types of environments like in inclement weather or view a new construction project (also called a line cut or single track) before it begins.
CTA is seeking a lightweight simulator tool that is able to provide a realistic environment which mirrors CTA rail lines and is able to provide scenario-based training for operators to refresh their skillset. Rail simulators can significantly enhance training by allowing for repeated practice on a variety of complex scenarios, leading to a rail operations workforce that is even more ready to navigate the complexities of CTA’s rail system with proficiency.
Proposals that can reasonably model rail cabs while maintaining portability, and that can provide scenarios in a variety of weather and time of day conditions, are preferred. However, simulators that utilize existing PCs or tablets will also be considered. The proposed solutions should be available to operators at a fixed location in at least one CTA location, with the ability to relocate to other facilities as needed.
Proposal process
The deadline for these problem statements is October 21, 2025, Innovation proposals will be evaluated in two phases. During Phase 1, proposals will be evaluated by an internal review committee for responsiveness, feasibility, and timeline. Innovators whose proposals pass the Phase 1 evaluation will be selected to move to Phase 2. During Phase 2 evaluation, Innovators will be given the opportunity to present their innovation proposal, which will be evaluated by a panel of stakeholders and subject matter experts from CTA. From these presentations, CTA will select one or more winning innovation proposals to proceed to pilot. Application forms and additional information can be found on the Innovation Studio website at www.transitchicago.com/innovation-studio.
Key dates
- September 25, 2025: Challenge Information Session
- October 6, 2025: Questions Due (CTA will provide responses by October 14th, 2025)
- October 21, 2025: Applications Due
- Week of December 1, 2025: Phase 2 Presentations from selected applicants
Information session
The CTA held an information session on September 25, 2025, to discuss the Innovation Studio program, the rail simulator and translation challenges, and the application process.
Q&A (Rail Simulator)
Can you please elaborate more on the current training tools that are utilized by CTA, does the agency use simulators?
CTA does not use simulators in training for rail operators, though CTA does have bus simulators available for bus operator training.
How customized a solution is CTA looking for? Is CTA looking for the solution to model CTA railcars specifically or is a generic one acceptable?
CTA would like for the proposed solution to model CTA railcars as closely as possible, particularly for the 5000 or 7000 series railcars. Ideally, this would be using physical hardware that copies CTA’s railcar cab setups, though the agency is open to VR or other fully digital solutions as well. The solution should balance replicating rail cars with ability to be lightweight/portable.
Can CTA provide information about the railcar cabs (e.g. cab layout, control interface, vehicle data)?
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Should the rail simulator’s virtual environment cover the full rail network, or is the main focus on training operators on the rolling stock itself rather than full line mastering?
CTA understands that developing a model to cover the full rail network is likely beyond scope for the purposes of a pilot, but coverage of a full route line would be ideal. At a minimum, CTA would like the simulation to include different weather and time of day scenarios.
Does CTA have a preference for either covering a full route line or covering multiple railcar classes?
CTA has a preference for covering a full route, though support for multiple railcar classes would also be a benefit.
How much square footage is available at the locations where CTA might install a simulator?
While space varies at different locations, CTA is looking for proposed solutions to be semi-portable and something that could be set up in the space of a desk.
Does CTA see Virtual Reality as a preferred option for the simulator, or would the agency rather keep a more traditional setup?
CTA has a preference for a more traditional setup with physical hardware similar to a console, but the agency is open to Virtual Reality solutions as well.
Will CTA provide detailed track geometry data (e.g., curvature, gradients, switch locations etc.) for the selected pilot section? If not available, will CTA permit a vendor-led survey to capture this data for simulation accuracy?
CTA will provide detailed track geometry data for the selected pilot section. If the information available does not include necessary details to build a model for the simulator, vendors may capture this data for simulation accuracy.
Can CTA share fault codes and/or fault tree data for integration into training scenarios?
Once a pilot is selected, CTA can provide this information.
Are there specific failure modes (e.g., brake faults, signal loss, degraded power etc.) CTA would like emphasized in the pilot?
The two failure modes CTA would emphasize are the troubleshooting procedures when a train loses propulsion and when there is a brake fault.
Should the simulator replicate an Automatic Block Signaling (ABS) or Automatic Train Control (ATC) environment?
The simulator should replicate an Automatic Train Control environment.
Is there an interest in incorporating or future-proofing for Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) simulation?
CTA is not currently interested in incorporating CBTC simulation.
Are there specific degraded-mode scenarios (e.g., towing disabled trains, signal blackouts etc.) CTA would like included?
Degraded-mode scenarios are not a priority for CTA during this pilot, though companies are welcome to detail different degraded-mode scenarios they commonly support.
Will CTA assign instructors or operators to collaborate on training content and scenario validation during the pilot?
Yes, CTA will ensure Rail Operations staff are available to collaborate on content and scenario validation.
Does CTA have a preferred site for pilot deployment (e.g., training center, yard facility, or another location)?
CTA’s preference would be to deploy the pilot at a rail terminal.
Q&A (General)
Does CTA have any software limitations / requirements that vendors need to be aware of?
Vendors will need to complete a cybersecurity questionnaire and adhere to CTA’s standard Data Security policies, as well as Illinois’s Biometric Information Privacy Act.
Is there a process where companies can submit for the challenges from last year like Safety improvements?
Unfortunately, there is not a way to submit for past challenges. Following pilot completion, if CTA chooses to put out a formal Request for Proposals (RFP), vendors are welcome to submit a proposal even if they did not participate in Innovation Studio.
Can a firm submit multiple applications?
Yes, firms are welcome to submit multiple applications. In the past, applicants have submitted proposals with different partners, or for different product offerings in their catalogs.
Is there access to internet/cell connectivity?
Through experience during past pilots, CTA has found it is typically more straightforward for vendors to provide their own cellular connectivity to avoid needing to adhere to strict cybersecurity requirements needed to send data using CTA’s network.
For the section on the application “Please provide an estimated cost of the pilot,” does this mean what our solution would ultimately annually cost the CTA after the pilot, or the physical cost for a company to operate the pilot itself?
This section is meant for companies to outline the expected cost of the pilot, not what the solution would cost annually. Companies are welcome to detail what the cost for a systemwide solution would entail in their application, but this will not factor into the evaluation criteria for Phase 1. During Phase 2 presentations, innovators should include information about the cost of scaling the project as budget/timeline is one of the scoring categories.
Will CTA define a DBE participation goal for the pilot phase, or will this be addressed during full deployment?
There is not a DBE participation goal for Innovation Studio. DBE participation goals would be determined as part of a full project deployment.
If a pilot is successful, what is CTA’s anticipated process and timeline for scaling to a system-wide deployment?
A timeline for scaling to a full system-wide deployment is dependent on available budget, resources, and pilot learnings and will occur through a procurement process separate from the Innovation Studio program.