Contact Contact

The SmartRoad: Technology for a Safer, more Efficient Roadway

September 5, 2017

Screen shot 2017 09 05 at 4 23 11 pm

Starting today, Pace buses are utilizing new “SmartRoad” technology on the Jane Addams (I-90) and making its service in the northwest suburbs more efficient, which should mean less traffic congestion for all of us! You might have noticed the SmartRoad technology by seeing the over-the-road signs installed every half mile between Barrington Road and the Kennedy Expressway on I-90.

This new technology provides real-time traffic and travel information to Pace Suburban Bus drivers as well as all of us. During times of heavy congestion, Pace buses will exclusively use these new Flex Lanes on the left inside shoulder of the roadway. However, at other times, the lanes will be open to commuters or emergency vehicles. This new technology will improve Pace’s already popular express service on I-90. 

Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 3.51.03 PM

One of the ways the RTA proudly support projects like this is to help gather the best possible data so Pace can make informed and effective decisions when it comes to service planning.  Our 2012 market analysis of the I-90 corridor helped provide the insights needed to define where the park-n-ride stations should be built to best serve our passengers.  On the I-90 express route, travelers can use the Randall Road Park-n-Ride Station or the Northwest Transportation Center for a convenient, free place along the Tollway to park and catch buses to and from Rosemont, Elgin or Schaumburg.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEVSpGFTgzc]

Just like other modes of public transit, Pace’s Express Service saves people money. The cost of a round trip from Randall Road in Elgin to the Chicago Loop using these services is $4.50. The estimated cost of that same trip-using a car is $40.60 ($2.60 for tolls, $8 for gas, $30 for parking). When we can apply new technologies to existing infrastructure, we can do more to help the daily traveler save money while traveling more efficiently.

Express bus programs like this are the next phase of transit expansion in our region as they are more cost effective than rail expansion in our current economic climate. Soon, with help from IDOT, Pace will bring their Bus-on-Shoulder service to the Edens Expressway (I-94). Next year, we’ll see the launch of the Pulse Milwaukee Line, which will run from Jefferson Park Transit Center to Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles along Milwaukee Avenue.

This is a good day for commuters across the region. And there are more good days to come.  

Subscribe to our Newsletter

* indicates required
Type your email address here
What emails would you like to receive from the RTA
Tagged in: RTAMS

Related Articles

RTA ADA AWARENESS 2020 1 RTA celebrates 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act

This month the RTA is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA transformed society and provided opportunities f...

July 29, 2020
Pace Buses 3569195969 1588881889263 Take a survey to help improve mobility options for older adults and people with disabilities

Do you or someone you know face transportation challenges? The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) wants to hear from you about transportation issues and...

May 7, 2020
Transportation Tuesday Event Brite Banner V3 004 Transportation Tuesday Webinar Series: Attend the 2020 RTA Annual Planning Workshop Virtually

The RTA is launching a four-part webinar series in place of the Annual Planning Workshop due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The free, virtual sessions wil...

April 17, 2020
Call Banner 3485388325 1590696008966 Announcing the 2020 Access to Transit Program Call for Projects for Small-Scale Capital Projects

We are excited to announce that the call for projects for the RTA  Access to Transit Program is now open. The RTA launched the Access to Transit program in 2...

March 13, 2020
22 RTA 0646 Happy International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month from the RTA

Each year the RTA celebrates Women’s History Month in March to recognize the women who work at, and ride, CTA, Metra, and Pace every day. The celebration coi...

March 8, 2020
Survey image How's Your Ride? Take This Survey

We’d like to hear your thoughts about public transit!  The RTA is sponsoring a system-wide customer satisfaction survey and would like your feedback about yo...

March 2, 2020
RTA
CTA
Metra
Pace
Copyright © 2024 Regional Transportation Authority. All Rights Reserved.