Wilsonville Elevates the Rider Experience with Real-Time Info and Security Lighting
Transforming bus stops into accessible and secure information hubs
Our team partnered with Wilsonville’s South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) to revolutionize their bus stop infrastructure with Axentia’s real-time information displays across 21 stops. The project aimed to provide accessible, up-to-date transit information, enhance rider experience and improve safety with integrated solar lighting and ultra-low power battery-powered e-paper displays.
We deployed battery-powered e-paper displays with a projected lifespan of 3-5 years. After a year and a half, the battery life remains over 90%, extending the potential lifespan to 10+ years when paired with solar power at suitable sites. These displays also feature text-to-speech in English and Spanish, dynamic messaging, and solar-powered lighting for enhanced security.
Addressing key needs to enhance transit info and accessibility
SMART aimed to upgrade the way transit information was presented and enhance accessibility for all riders, including those with visual impairments. They needed a solution that was compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provided real-time updates, while also being able to adapt to diverse site conditions.
Flexible solutions for maximum impact and equity
To address SMART’s needs of sharing modernized transit information and enhancing rider accessibility, we implemented a set of targeted solutions including: real-time information displays, ADA-compliant features and an ultra-low consumption, dual-power system that improved both functionality and safety at bus stops.
Axentia e-paper displays: Installation of four-button digital displays provides real-time transit information, including bus arrival times and community updates.
Push messaging updates: Display messaging can come directly through the GTFS Feed, or be updated manually on either one, a group or all the displays, making communication with riders quick and simple.
ADA-compliant features: The displays feature text-to-speech functionality in both English and Spanish, along with high-contrast braille identification, to ensure accessibility for visually impaired riders.
PV Stop+ lighting systems: Deployment of 12 solar-powered PV Stop+ lighting systems where feasible to improve rider safety and reduce rider pass-bys, the top complaint reported by transit agencies.
Battery-powered systems: At sites where solar wasn't viable, we used ultra-low consumption battery-powered displays with a 3-5 year lifespan. After a year and a half, the battery life remains over 90%, extending the battery lifespan beyond 5 years and up to 10+ years when paired with solar.
On-site installation support: We collaborated with a local third-party subcontractor to provide a turnkey solution, training them to offer hands-on installation support and coordinating the amenities setup to ensure everything was done right from the start.
Ongoing support and training: We hold quarterly meetings to answer any questions and provide additional training, along with ongoing virtual session support and updated resources for effective maintenance.
Improvements in rider experience, safety and efficiency
The project’s completion in August 2023 led to substantial improvements in in SMART's bus stop rider experience, safety and accessibility:
Reduced power draw: Battery-powered displays maintained over 90% efficiency after 18 months, with a projected lifespan of over seven years. The hybrid solar-powered units showed no depletion, offering performance for up to 10 years or more.
Enhanced safety: The integration of solar-powered lighting systems at viable sites improved safety at bus stops, ensuring better visibility and security for riders at night.
Reduces rider pass-bys: The addition of solar-powered security lighting addresses the number 1 concern as reported by US transit agencies.
Increased rider satisfaction: Enhanced accessibility and reliability of SMART’s transit information system improved their rider experience, reflecting the overall success of the project.
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 20,000 bus stops across North America.