Transit Tech Lab Pilot Selects Battery-Powered Displays to Advance Rider Communication
Transforming rider information at NYC bus stops
Urban Solar partnered with NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) after being selected for Innovation Lab’s 2024 Transit Tech Lab pilot program, aimed at improving the transit customer experience across the city. NYC DOT’s goal was to trial cutting edge battery-powered display technology signage to better communicate service updates and reduce perceived wait times for riders.
Our battery-powered e-paper displays were selected for their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure — avoiding costly and complicated construction in a city where grid connections are prohibitively expensive and solar power is rarely viable due to shading and tall buildings.
Modernized communication tools to better serve transit passengers
Prior to this project, NYC DOT’s signage system relied on access to grid power and additional infrastructure to support the solution — creating an opportunity to explore more scalable and modern solutions. In a city as dense as New York, where tall buildings create constant shading and structural limitations, solar-powered options simply weren’t practical in many locations.
By partnering with Urban Solar, NYC DOT was able to pilot a more flexible approach: real-time digital displays powered entirely by batteries — no sunlight and no construction, just fast, scalable deployment on their existing bus stop poles.
Scalable, battery-powered solutions tailored for NYC’s urban environments
Urban Solar worked closely with NYC DOT throughout the Transit Tech Lab challenge to deliver a flexible, accessible and construction-free way to share real-time transit information. No trenching, wiring or solar panels required. Installed on existing poles, the displays brought modernized rider communication to high-traffic bus stops in Manhattan and Queens.
13” 4-button e-paper displays:
This user-friendly display provides real-time bus arrival information, route maps and network updates at the push of a button. Designed with accessibility in mind, it features a braille ring and a text-to-speech function to support visually impaired riders.
Double-sided flag mount display with APS Technology:
Mounted at a pedestrian-friendly height of 7 feet, this version includes Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) to give visually impaired passengers an indication that they can engage with the display engage with t. Its durability and accessible design support ADA compliance and encourage safer, more informed travel.
Construction-free installation
Backed by structural calculations, these displays were approved for installation on existing poles — meaning no need for solar panels or power hookups. This allowed NYC DOT to avoid costly construction and deploy real-time displays quickly and efficiently.
Positive results in real-time
This ongoing project has led to immediate and positive impacts including:
Improved rider experience:
Real-time e-paper displays reduce perceived wait times and keep passengers informed, even during service delays.
Scalable and construction-free deployment:
Battery-powered displays installed on existing poles eliminated the need for trenching or electrical work and sped up rollout across the city.
Enhanced accessibility:
Displays with APS technology give visually impaired riders accessibility to transit updates and support ADA compliance.
About Urban Solar
Urban Solar is the North American market leader in off-grid lighting and amenities for bus stops. Since 2008, Urban Solar solutions have enhanced safety and rider experience at over 25,000 bus stops across North America.