The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) receives roughly 2,000 reports annually of people or objects entering the rail right-of-way (ROW), creating safety hazards and causing service delays. STV was engaged by CTA to implement an AI-equipped camera system – developed in partnership with the platform provider Derq – within CTA’s Innovation Studio framework. The goal is to detect unauthorized access to the tracks in real time, directly alerting control staff for timely intervention and improving both safety and operational reliability.
What challenges is STV addressing?
The pilot requires seamless integration of advanced computer-vision technology into active rail stations, while coordinating with CTA’s control center, existing surveillance infrastructure and high-traffic transit operations. STV is tailoring the AI solution to Chicago’s diverse rail environments – elevated, grade-level and subway – while minimizing false alarms, verifying data reliability and sustaining system uptime. These demands require rapid customization, precise hardware deployment and careful coordination across safety and operations teams.
What solutions is STV delivering?
STV is leading the implementation of cameras equipped with AI algorithms to monitor platform environments and detect potential intrusions or large objects on track. The system feeds real-time alerts to CTA’s control center for rapid action. STV’s team is managing installation planning, station-site coordination, performance metrics definition (intrusion detection accuracy, response time, false positive rate) and pilot operations tracking over a 12-month evaluation period. The pilot is designed to provide a scalable, data-driven safety solution for one of the nation’s busiest transit systems.
How does this project improve transit safety and rider experience?
By deploying an AI-based intrusion-detection solution, the project enhances rider safety, reduces service disruptions caused by track intrusions and supports CTA’s broader goal of a smarter, more resilient transit system. The pilot aligns digital advisory services with rail-infrastructure operations, advancing the integration of emerging technology into everyday transit safety and improving the overall commuter experience in Chicago.
Key Stats and Accolades
- Addresses ~2,000 annual right-of-way intrusion incidents in CTA system
- Pilot Duration: 12 months
- Technology: AI-equipped cameras and computer-vision algorithms for ROW intrusion detection
