HOWELL – NJ Transit has announced that it will be launching a digital bus sign pilot program at several bus stops around the Garden State, one of which will be in Howell.
These bus signs will not only show bus riders the real-time arrival information of the next bus, but they will also use artificial intelligence to provide NJ Transit with customer-based analytics such as people-counting, occupancy detection, and demand modeling.
According to a press release done by NJ Transit, these signs will feature “leave behind detection,” a capability that enables the agency to count the customers who were unable to board due to full buses or schedule constraints. This is meant to aid NJ Transit in both service planning and resource allocation.
The program, established by transit agencies in New York and New Jersey and funded by the Partnership Fund for New York City, provides private companies with customer analytics and information, which allows them the opportunity to submit ideas in an effort to solve ongoing transportation problems.
According to the press release, the pilot program showcases two different companies’ signs and technology at eight bus stops throughout the state. Both companies submitted their ideas through Transit Tech Labs, which provides a pathway for companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.
Five of the signs were installed in Hudson County by infrastructure provider BusPas. Two of the signs were installed at different bus stops in Hoboken, with two more installed at different locations in Union City, and one in Jersey City.
Urban Solar is in charge of launching the pilot in Monmouth County, with one of the signs going up at a bus stop in Howell, and the other two being used at a bus stop in Manalapan. Urban Solar is a manufacturer of solar energy systems for bus stops and shelters.
The Howell Bus stop that has been outfitted with the new digital sign is the Aldrich Road Park and Ride, which is located at the intersection of Route 9 North and Aldrich Road, right behind Big City Bagels and across the street from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
The Manalapan location that will receive the new digital signs is the bus stop located on Route 9 North at Gordon’s Corner Road. This location will be receiving two signs, and is the only site to get more than one.
In addition to the functions of its AI technology, the signs will also benefit regular riders on a day-to-day basis with the information they will provide. According to the press release, the signs feature real-time customer information such as arrivals, detours, delays, service alerts, and bus occupancy levels.
As part of the pilot, in an effort to keep their innovations eco-friendly, all of the signs are solar-powered and employ e-paper displays, like a reading tablet. They also include text-to-speech capability and automated safety lighting for improved nighttime visibility.
