County Connection Modernizes Bus Stops with Real-Time Passenger Info
A cooperative purchasing success story that’s transforming transit communications
When County Connection in Concord, California, set out to modernize its real-time passenger information displays, they chose Urban Solar and went through our CALACT cooperative purchasing contract. This streamlined approach saves time, ensures compliance and empowers California agencies to scale amenities confidently through trusted partnerships.
After evaluating several options, County Connection selected Urban Solar’s battery-powered displays for their proven reliability, simple installation and strong project management support. The solution delivered a smooth, cost-effective upgrade that aligned with their budget, timeline and long-term agency goals.
Upgrading legacy signage to enhance rider communication
Before partnering with Urban Solar, County Connection had older display systems that no longer fully supported their evolving needs. Subscription updates and feature upgrades were challenging, limiting their ability to provide the best possible information to riders.
Recognizing an opportunity to deliver clearer, more engaging messaging to their riders, County Connection sought a modern, flexible solution with more content capabilities (including QR codes and maps) paired with a reliable partner to guide them through a smooth and effective transition.
Reliable solutions delivering future-ready impact
Urban Solar partnered with County Connection to deliver a reliable, future-ready real-time passenger information system. In partnership with Tolar and Axentia, we transformed their vision into a practical, cost-effective solution.
Vandal-resistant e-paper displays
County Connection received 28 durable, 13” battery-powered displays in their signature yellow, designed to resist vandalism and extreme weather while delivering consistent real-time information.
Enhanced content features
The displays included QR codes, route maps and flexible push messaging options to provide more engaging and accessible information for riders in real-time.
Comprehensive training and support
Urban Solar offered design collaboration, a Buy America–compliant factory review and thorough training resources, empowering County Connection’s team to confidently install and manage the system in-house while reducing contractor costs.
Boosting rider experience, communication and efficiency
The project’s completion in 2025 led to immediate and positive impacts including:
Reliable real-time information
County Connection’s new battery-powered, vandal-resistant displays powered by Axentia consistently deliver up-to-date bus rider information, helping passengers make informed travel decisions and decreasing their perceived wait times.
Enhanced rider communication
With advanced content features such as QR codes and route maps, the displays enable more flexible and accessible messaging, enhancing passenger satisfaction and keeping riders more in the know.
Streamlined installation and cost savings
Thanks to thorough training and hands-on support, County Connection’s team successfully completed the installation themselves, avoiding the need for outside contractors and maximizing their budget while building valuable in-house skills.
Hassle-free cooperative purchasing
Leveraging the CALACT cooperative purchasing program allowed County Connection to save time, ensure product compliance and move their project forward with confidence through a competitively awarded contract and trusted partnership.
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.