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SEPTA Debuts First Solar-Powered Real-Time Bus Arrival Display

SEPTA will test compact e-paper screens this summer to decide whether real-time arrival times with text-to-speech should be rolled out across the system.

Overview

  • The transit agency installed the first display at the northeast corner of Broad Street and Oregon Avenue, which launched Wednesday and serves Bus Routes 7, 63 and 68.
  • The pilot uses small, solar-powered e-paper units that mount to sign poles and include a text-to-speech button so blind and low-vision riders can hear arrival times.
  • Nine additional devices have been slated for bus stops and Metro/Trolley stations across the city, including 40th Street Trolley Portal, Stadium Station and Drexel Hill Junction.
  • SEPTA will collect rider feedback through a QR-code survey and evaluate the 10-device pilot over the summer to decide whether to expand the program.
  • The agency says each display costs about $5,000 and that a successful pilot could lead to a larger rollout later this year that targets stops used by riders without smartphones and to help manage heavier summer event travel.