CTA to Test Virtual Reality Simulator Training for Rail Operators
8/18/2026
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced a one-year program to test a new portable virtual reality rail simulator training. The simulator will allow operators in training to gain more hands-on experience.
CTA’s Innovation Studio reviewed six proposals exploring simulated training opportunities for rail operators, seeking solutions that could be easily transported, provide a realistic CTA rail system experience, and include scenario-based training. CTA selected a solution from the Center for Research in Railway Technologies (CITEF), which offers a portable rail simulator for the agency’s Bombardier 5000-series railcars.
CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said the simulator “gives our operators realistic, hands-on experience in weather, construction, and emergency scenarios so they’re ready no matter what situations they may face.”
As part of its agreement, CTA will provide CITEF with a stipend to create the virtual reality rail simulator, which will serve as a post-initial training tool. The tool will give rail operators additional practice troubleshooting rare or complex scenarios (like propulsion loss or brake faults). Operators will use a virtual reality headset to view simulated rail stations and scenarios while using a real operator console.
CITEF Director Jose Manuel Mera said, “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.”
CTA will review and evaluate outcomes of the pilot to determine whether a full-scale rollout would be beneficial to the agency.