Innovation Studio - What's new
"Odour filters to be tested on Chicago metro trains"
Railway Gazette (02/19/2026)
"CTA Innovation Studio Expands Pilot to Reduce Smoke, Odors"
Metro Magazine (01/16/2026)
"CTA to install activated carbon filters on eight 5000-Series railcars to mitigate harmful odors"
Mass Transit Magazine (01/16/2026)
"CTA working on pilot program to address rider experience and safety"
CBS Chicago (12/15/2025)
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today launched two new Problem Statements through its Innovation Studio focused on developing new solutions to engage with and support riders for a safe and comfortable ride for everyone. The Problem Statements address issues that arise when CTA riders and employees encounter people who are unhoused, who may be experiencing a mental health crisis, or when groups of youth and young adults congregate and create a disruptive environment.
CTA news release (12/10/2025)
"CTA seeks solutions to better assist riders who do not speak English"
CBS Chicago (09/09/2025)
"CTA partners with Sensonic on track intrusion detection pilot"
Railway PRO (06/17/2025)
"Sensonic and Chicago Transit Test Latest Rail Safety and Security Innovation"
Railway-News (06/13/2025)
Today, the Chicago Transit Board approved an agreement with Sensonic Incorporated to advance a pilot program that would automatically detect intrusions on the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) rail right-of-way. CTA will test the use of a fiber optic vibration sensing device that monitors for large objects falling on the tracks.
CTA news release (6/11/2025)
"Chicago Transit Board Launches Pilot for Automated Intrusion Detection"
Railway Supply (02/17/2025)
"US: CTA to Pilot Automated ROW Intrusion Detection System"
Railway-News (02/17/2025)
"CTA Board awards STV $60,000 stipend to advance CTA Innovation Studio pilot"
Mass Transit Magazine (02/14/2025)
Today, the Chicago Transit Board approved the award of a $60,000 stipend to STV to advance another pilot project under the CTA Innovation Studio to test camera-based capabilities that detect and respond to intrusions on the right-of-way at two rail stations.
CTA news release (2/12/2025)
"CTA awards project stipends of $55,000 each to two vendors to provide digital bus stop signage"
Mass Transit Magazine (10/15/2024)
"At board meeting: CTA is piloting digital bus stop signs at 20 stops, and are unarmed security guards effective?"
Streetsblog Chicago (10/12/2024)
As part of ongoing efforts to provide riders with a modern transit riding experience, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced the awarding of project stipends of $55,000 each for two vendors selected to provide digital bus stop sign solutions for testing under the new Innovation Studio.
CTA news release (10/9/2024)
"Private sector entities: Got a bright idea to solve the CTA's problems? Submit it to the agency's new Innovation Studio"
Streetsblog Chicago (03/22/2024)
"CTA Board of Directors authorizes plans for 'Innovation Studio' to address public transit challenges"
Mass Transit Magazine (03/06/2024)
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today officially launched Innovation Studio (transitchicago.com/innovation-studio) with its first challenge statements in 2024. Through Innovation Studio, the CTA kick-offs a long-term effort to partner with private sector entities to explore leading-edge ideas to improve system safety, develop a new solution for bus stop asset management, and expand real-time information to its largest ridership base – bus riders.
CTA news release (3/5/2024)
"CTA calls on private companies to submit tech solutions to improve system"
CBS Chicago (03/05/2024)
"CTA launches online Innovation Studio to request proposals for bus tracker, train safety in Chicago"
ABC7 Chicago (03/05/2024)
"CTA Board of Directors authorizes plans for 'Innovation Studio' to address public transit challenges"
Mass Transit Magazine (12/15/2023)
The Chicago Transit Board authorized the launch of an “Innovation Studio” which will solicit feedback from the private sector or non-profits around business problems that we face at CTA. Problem statements for which we are accepting pilot proposals in the inaugural round will be released in early 2024. These problem statements will be determined through rider and employee feedback and successful proposals will be piloted on our system with the possibility for pilots to scale into long term solutions.
CTA news release (12/13/2023)