Four 42-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 displays
In both cases , deployment of solar-powered displays provides transit agencies extra flexibility to reach remote areas and access a wider audience in times of crises . Because the ePaper displays can be updated remotely , agencies are able to push automatic updates and ensure rider access to up-to-date information while reducing labor costs associated with manually switching out paper displays . As passengers enter a vehicle or wait at a bus stop , agencies can push real-time information out to specific displays , alerting passengers to emergencies or simply providing information relevant to their route . Furthermore , Luminator and E Ink are expanding their offerings with color displays that can be utilized on board zero-emissions buses . With the extra concern of conserving power onboard an electric bus , the E Ink low-power solution is a perfect fit . Management of the displays can be coordinated through Luminator ‘ s software suite content management platform which means that agencies can monitor display status throughout the fleet and update content on one or multiple displays as needed . “ In a given station or onboard a bus , transit agencies will have both LED displays and ePaper signage ,” said Brian Bigler , global senior brand manager , marketing , at E Ink . “ So , for these agencies , Luminator provides an incredible value proposition . If an agency wants to combine both technologies , Luminator and E Ink can provide the necessary solutions to do just that .” In many cases , agencies will be migrating passenger information from existing paper displays to ePaper displays , or a combination of LED and ePaper displays . These agencies , by migrating from a non-digital solution to a digital solution , will yield the added benefits of real-time information and interactivity – while also saving on manpower and printing costs . “ Some cities are still using paper schedules , and the problem is that they only go out and replace them on a monthly interval , when there ’ s schedule changes almost every day in some systems ,” Kelleher said . “ The fact that communities can push out messaging , or emergency information , at any time , is invaluable ,” Bigler said . “ In the event of an emergency or natural disaster where power is disrupted , the E Ink ePaper ’ s bistability means it will continue to display the last image . In the case of an earthquake , for example , agencies can program the ePaper to automatically change to show emergency evacuation routes until power is restored .”
Moving Toward the Smart City Both Luminator and E Ink agree that technologies like ePaper are key toward developing the concept of the “ smart city ,” in which transportation is a critical factor . Turning the bus stop into a mobility hub , where transit is interconnected with last-mile services to create a seamless transportation experience for riders . “ I think we ’ re affecting smart cities because of the ease to install this equipment , and provide it in various locations with no power , without sacrificing readability ,” Kelleher said . “ It contributes to the vision of why the smart city menu is growing for different features .”
The Luminator Software Suite has two modules for customers : Destination Editor and Operation and Maintenance .
Ultimately , E Ink and Luminator are seeing increased demand for ePaper solutions in agencies that are sensitive to power consumption and the benefits of renewable energy , passenger information , and leveraging Luminator ’ s software suite ’ s ease of use . Because of its reflective makeup , ePaper is the only digital display technology that is Dark Sky certified , according to E Ink . “ Solar-energy driven devices are a huge plus for cities looking to conserve power , and the ease of deployment allows for rapid implementation without disturbing infrastructure ,” Kelleher said . “ We ’ ve also seen decreased passenger anxiety thanks to the readable , real-time information .” “ There are definitely distinctions in the market for agencies seeking LED or ePaper ,” he continued , “ but E Ink technology is becoming increasingly more preferred by our clients in public transportation . It ’ s a rising tide , where more and more agencies are looking to implement this technology than ever before .”
4 BUSRIDE | DEC 2023 / JAN 2024