Poznan tests multifunctional e-paper bus stop displays

The Polish city of Poznan has started a three-month trial phase to test electronic paper (e-paper) displays for its bus stops.

The trial aims to compare the use of e-paper compared to LED displays. The functionalities of the e-paper displays include four buttons that allow users to navigate to the travel information of their interest. Users can access detailed information, real time predictions, timetables and route maps. The displays also offer audio options, which will read the text out to those who choose this option.

The e-paper displays are easy to read in sunlight and can even be solar-powered thanks to their low energy consumption. The displays connect wirelessly to content management systems that enable their remote updating and monitoring. If the tests are successful, the e-paper displays will be implemented across the entire public transport network in Poznan to replace paper-based timetables at public transport stops.

The test phase is managed by Poznan’s local government unit for innovative smart city solutions, Wielkopolskie Centrum Wspierania Inwestycji (WCWI). Rafał Ratajczak, smart city manager at WCWI, stresses the advantages that e-paper displays have: “Not only do these e-paper displays save on energy costs, but they also remove the significant expense of changing paper timetables. When there is a timetable change, we can easily update remotely. If there is a delay or disruption, we can notify passengers instantly. Not only does this lead to cost savings, but it is much better for the people using the service”.

The e-paper displays tested in Poznan are provided by Papercast, a global e-paper display provider.

Article published first at https://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/ on 22 September 2020