CTA Advances Rail Simulator Pilot to Strengthen Operator Training (Chicago, IL) – The Chicago Transit Board has authorized a one-year pilot program for a portable rail simulator designed to give CTA rail operators additional hands-on training before they encounter complex situations in real-world service.
The pilot, developed through the CTA Innovation Studio, is intended to improve operator preparedness for weather conditions, construction-related changes and emergency situations while supporting safer and more reliable transit operations.
“This simulator gives our rail operators hands-on practice with operational scenarios before they ever face them in the real world,” CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said. “It gives our operators realistic, hands-on experience in weather, construction and emergency scenarios so they’re ready no matter what situations they may face.”
CTA launched its fifth Innovation Studio problem statement in summer 2025 seeking proposals for virtual reality and simulated training tools that could provide rail operators with additional experience. The agency sought a portable system capable of being transported between facilities, accurately reflecting CTA’s rail environment and supporting scenario-based training.
After reviewing six proposals, CTA selected the Center for Research in Railway Technologies, known as CITEF, to develop a portable simulator for CTA’s 5000-series railcars.
“This pilot will lay the groundwork for a new training model, one that allows rail operators to practice not only standard but also critical scenarios that cannot be replicated in revenue service — improving both efficiency and safety,” said Jose Manuel Mera, director of CITEF.
Under the agreement, CTA will provide CITEF with a $75,000 stipend to create the virtual reality rail simulator. The technology will serve as a post-initial-training tool, allowing operators to practice troubleshooting situations that may be rare or difficult to safely replicate during revenue service.
Potential scenarios include propulsion loss, brake faults, signal failures and temporary rail service changes such as single-track operations.
The simulator will model four consecutive rail stations. Operators will use a VR headset to view the simulated environment while interacting with real hardware, including the master controller on the operator console.
CTA said combining the virtual environment with a physical control console is intended to provide tactile and muscular feedback similar to operating an actual train. Instructors and managers will also be able to select different weather conditions and troubleshooting scenarios.
At the conclusion of the one-year pilot, CTA will evaluate the technology based on factors including its ability to replicate real-world operating conditions, usability and portability. The findings will help determine whether the agency should pursue a broader rollout of portable simulator technology.
The project is part of CTA’s Innovation Studio, launched in 2024 to test emerging technologies and solutions addressing challenges across the transit system.
Since its launch, the Innovation Studio has issued nine problem statements and launched 10 pilots with companies and innovators. Technologies that demonstrate value during real-world testing may eventually be considered for systemwide implementation.
More information about the CTA Innovation Studio is available at transitchicago.com/innovation-studio.
CTA Advances Rail Simulator Pilot to Strengthen Operator Training
