Pace Suburban Bus Transit Signal Priority

Installing a Smart System throughout Suburban Chicago for Public Transit to Bypass Congestion

Pace Suburban Bus Company (Pace) operates more than 600 buses on 220 fixed routes through an extensive network spanning the six-count Northeastern Illinois area, including suburban Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry and Lake Counties.

Pace is in the process of expanding its Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system throughout the region so that buses can more easily pass through traffic-signal controlled intersections by allowing them to connect with the signals. The TSP system facilitates the movement of transit vehicles through intersections controlled by traffic signals. The expansion is set to take place in next five years with funding through the Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program.

In order to support regional coordination, the Regional Transportation Authority is leading a comprehensive effort known as the Regional Transit Signal Priority Implementation Program (RTSPIP). The overall goal of RTSPIP is to develop and implement a regionally-interoperable TSP system that works for Chicago Transit Authority and Pace buses traveling through roadways maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and other local transportation authorities.

Level-1 is responsible for the implementation of design engineering as well as coordinating with local and state governments to develop a Plans, Specifications and Estimate Package for Pace and IDOT/CDOT, which allows them to review and approve that the work to be performed is within their right-of-way.

Level-1 is also responsible for installing Regional PRS devices at designated locations and an Econolite Cobalt ATC signal controller at a select field location and demonstrating to Pace/IDOT/CDOT that all proof of concept testing procedures are successfully completed.

Level-1 also delivers project management support by providing periodic updates to the proposed work plan and schedules as needed.