Use of Electronic Passenger Information Signage in Transit. TCRP Synthesis 104. A Synthesis of Transit Practice.

摘要

Before technological improvements provided easy access to the Internet and, more recently, available mobile devices, public transit authorities considered electronic signs as the first step in providing both static and real-time information to passengers at stops and stations. According to TCRP Synthesis 48: Real-time Bus Arrival Information (2003), the most prevalent medium used for the distribution of real-time bus arrival information is the electronic sign, also known as a dynamic message sign (DMS), located at a bus stop. As of 2012, DMS deployment was growing rapidly throughout the United States and abroad as a result of positive customer reactions to real-time information and the prospect of increasing ridership because of sign implementation. In recent years, agencies have been taking full advantage of almost universal access to the Internet and high mobile phone ownership rates to provide information through these media in addition to electronic signage. From TCRP Synthesis 91 (2011), The demographics of transit riders have changed significantly over the past five years with many more riders and non-riders using cell phones or even smartphones, which provide Internet access and other capabilities such as mobile e-mail and application programs. This has prompted transit agencies to look beyond providing information by means of traditional dissemination media such as dynamic message signs (DMS), which require more resources to implement (e.g., cost for installation, power, communication, and maintenance). At the same time, agencies capabilities to provide real-time information have grown considerably with many agencies deploying technologies that allow them to provide customers with real-time information, such as when the next vehicles will arrive at a particular stop or station. Further, although current customer expectations for real-time information on mobile phones and smartphones have prompted many agencies to focus on meeting these high expectations through mobile device applications, electronic signage is still considered an extremely valuable dissemination media. Providing information on electronic signs has an added benefit for users: it is easier to look at the sign than to take out a mobile phone, open the application, and searching for the information. Finally, the capital and operations and maintenance costs associated with deploying electronic signage has encouraged some agencies to either move away from electronic signage or seek more cost-effective approaches.