[Iabs-talk] FW: FYI Press Release - Distribute as Desired

Wed Nov 18 23:28:12 UTC 2015

From: Amy Peterson [mailto:Amy at equipforequality.org] 
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Subject: FW: FYI Press Release - Distribute as Desired

FYI.  My apologies for any duplicate postings.

Amy

From: Serpe, Amy [mailto:aserpe at transitchicago.com] 
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Subject: FYI Press Release - Distribute as Desired

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2015

MAYOR EMANUEL ANNOUNCES CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY NOW OFFERS 4G WIRELESS
SERVICE THROUGHOUT ALL BLUE LINE SUBWAYS

With Completion of Red Line by End of 2015, CTA will be the Largest Public
Transit System in the U.S. with 4G Coverage in all Subway Stations and
Tunnels 

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the completion of 4G wireless coverage on
CTA's Blue Line. The project is the latest milestone in Mayor Emanuel's goal
to bring 4G wireless coverage across CTA's 22 miles of subway stations and
tunnels on the Blue and Red Lines, CTA's two busiest rail lines.

The project, expected to be completed by the end of 2015, will make the City
of Chicago the largest city in North America to have a subway system with
full 4G wireless coverage across its entire system of subway stations and
tunnels. The network upgrade, which began earlier this year, will give
millions of Chicago subway riders a faster mobile experience throughout
their commutes. The design and installation of the system will create
approximately 50 jobs.

"Blue Line riders no longer will have to worry about losing cell phone
service on their way downtown or on a trip to O'Hare," said Mayor Emanuel.
"By the end of this year, CTA will have full wireless coverage throughout
its subways as part of our continued effort to invest in 21st century
technology for Chicago's world-class transit system. The coverage will also
improve communications for first responders working inside the tunnel
system."

CTA Blue Line riders now have full 4G wireless coverage throughout 13 miles
of Blue Line subway sections near O'Hare Airport, Logan Square and downtown
Chicago. Crews recently completed the Dearborn Subway tunnels that serve the
Division, Chicago, Grand, Clark/Lake, Washington, Monroe, Jackson, LaSalle
and Clinton stations, as well as the section leading to O'Hare. The Kimball
subway, serving the Logan Square and Belmont stations, was completed in
October.

Activation of 4G coverage in the Red Line subway is expected to be completed
by year's end. 

The 4G wireless project is a $32.5 million agreement brokered by the Chicago
Infrastructure Trust, with the four major wireless providers - T-Mobile,
AT&T, Verizon and Sprint - to finance the network modernization.  In January
2015, T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint collectively agreed to fund the
design and construction of a next-generation Distributed Antenna System
(DAS) capable of supporting the latest 4G wireless networks and mobile
devices. 

"4G wireless coverage throughout our subway system is our latest effort in
improving the customer experience through technology," said President Dorval
R. Carter Jr. "This coverage will also increase safety measures by providing
more reliable communication between CTA personnel and emergency responders."

"With 4G LTE service now available throughout the CTA Blue Line, Chicago
public transit riders from O'Hare to downtown will have the four largest
wireless providers in the U.S. - T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint - to
connect them to friends and family throughout their commute," said Jennifer
Silveira, Vice President of Engineering for T-Mobile.

This initiative is one of several efforts by Mayor Emanuel and CTA President
Carter to modernize the City's infrastructure and further improve Chicago's
world-class transit system. Over the past four years, several technology
improvements have been implemented across Chicago's transit system,
including expansion of CTA Train Tracker and Bus Tracker functionality,
digital displays with service information at bus shelters and rail stations
throughout the service region, and a dramatically expanded security camera
network.

About the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

The CTA operates the nation's second largest public transportation system
and covers the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs. On an average
weekday, more than 1.6 million rides are taken on CTA buses and trains.

About the Chicago Infrastructure Trust

The Chicago Infrastructure Trust was created in April 2012 by executive
order of Mayor Emanuel and City Council resolution.  The Trust's purpose is
to assist the people of the City of Chicago, the City government and its
sister agencies in providing alternative financing and project delivery
options for transformative infrastructure projects. Visit the Trust's
website at  <http://www.shapechicago.org> www.shapechicago.org. 

# # #

CONTACT:

Mayor's Press Office

312.744.3334

 <mailto:press at cityofchicago.org> press at cityofchicago.org

CTA Media Relations
312.681.3090
 <mailto:CTAMedia at transitchicago.com> CTAMedia at transitchicago.com

Access Benefits Everyone!

Amy J. Serpe

Manager, ADA Compliance Programs

Chicago Transit Authority

567 W. Lake Street, 10th Fl., SW

Chicago, IL  60661

312.681-2608 Desk

312.350.2301 Cell/Text

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