Chicago Transit Authority presents new technology to improve bus service

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) demonstrated new technology Monday that is designed to provide more consistent and reliable bus service.

The Bus Transit Management System (BTMS) provides real-time monitoring of bus movements and communications between bus drivers and CTA’s control center. The system will enable buses to more quickly adapt to changing traffic and street conditions and help avoid the two biggest challenges facing bus service: bus “bunching” and long waits between buses.

By later this summer, all of CTA’s approximately 1,800 buses will be equipped with BTMS. The $8.8 million system will be paid for with federal funding.

CTA President Forrest Claypool said the CTA under Mayor Rahm Emanuel has made a significant investment in technology to improve bus service and modernize Chicago’s transit system.

“This investment includes installing 4G wireless service in our subways, substantially expanding and enhancing bus and train-tracker service and increasing the number of security cameras on every CTA bus, train and station to more than 23,000,” Claypool said. We’re committed to providing excellent service to our customers and to making the necessary investments to fulfill our promise to do so.”