Chicago Transit Authority has launched a CTA faregate technology pilot challenge to identify modern station entry systems, with field testing potentially starting at selected locations in early 2027.

The official challenge announcement⁠ says vendors may propose new faregates or alternative fare-entry technologies to replace equipment approaching the end of a 40-year design life. CTA reports that work orders have increased during the past three years, while the agency is also updating ADA faregates and preparing the next-generation Ventra system. 

CTA faregate technology requirements

CTA’s detailed problem statement⁠ calls for entry systems that allow passengers to tap, pay and enter quickly while remaining ADA compliant, user-friendly and suitable for indoor and outdoor weather conditions. The technology must integrate with existing Ventra readers and support the forthcoming Ventra upgrade. 

Vendors would supply the equipment, installation, maintenance tracking and technical support. Proposed systems must also collect data on paid and unpaid entries, passenger throughput, reliability, maintenance needs, ridership and revenue while avoiding access barriers or slower station entry.

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CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen described faregates as “the front door to the CTA” and said the agency wants new equipment to be modern, accessible, welcoming and capable of supporting safety while deterring fare evasion. 

CTA faregate technology pilot schedule

CTA may choose one or more proposals for 12-month trials at the main entrance of selected stations. Candidate locations include Fullerton, Logan Square, Morgan, UIC-Halsted, Howard, Harlem, Cermak-McCormick Place and other stations across the Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Brown and Yellow lines. 

Phase I proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. CT on August 24, 2026. Questions must be submitted by August 10, and applicants selected for the next stage can expect information in early September before presenting to a CTA evaluation panel.

The agency expects the trials to help shape a data-driven strategy for future faregate technology across the system. CTA also plans to coordinate with the Northern Illinois Transit Authority as the new regional body prepares to oversee fare integration and centralized fare collection. 

CTA launched Innovation Studio⁠ in 2024 to test technologies before wider deployment. The program has released eight problem statements and initiated five pilots with companies and other innovators.

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