News

DC using digital signage for public transit info

December 21, 2010

The Washington, D.C., District Department of Transportation recently announced that it has unveiled the District's first multi-modal digital transportation display to provide travelers with real-time information about their transportation choices on one screen.

DDOT Director Gabe Klein and the department's Chief Technology Officer Lance Schine demonstrated the technology at the intersection of 14th and U Streets Northwest, where the first pilot screen was installed in the ground floor window of the Reeves Center.

"We are already planning to install NextBus displays in bus shelters across the city, but this pilot demonstrates how a more robust platform with state-of-the-art technology can empower travelers with even more information in-place where they need it," Klein said in the announcement. "Multiple transportation options are layered on this one dynamic display — not just buses, but Metrorail, bikesharing and carsharing as well."

The various transportation options and their locations are also displayed on a map of the area. In addition, the screen displays the time, day, date and weather conditions and has a ticker for news and transportation alerts.

DDOT plans to expand the pilot in the coming months by installing dual-sided, 32-inch screens in three more locations and/or bus shelters. It is also exploring a large-scale deployment of the technology next year.