Digital signage supporting bus operators and passengers
21st Century Passenger Systems, a Journeo company, is helping to get key messages to passengers on behalf of its local authorities and PTE clients. With major disruption as a result of COVID-19 and bus operators amending timetables to reflect their reduced services, the passenger information specialist is aiming to get reliable information to passengers speedily.
“As many of the UK’s key workers rely on public transport to get them where they need to be, it is vital that the transport information available to them is relevant and accurate,” says Saff Riaz, national sales manager, 21st Century Passenger Systems, “which is why we are supporting with media content updates during the lockdown to help keep people safe while travelling, free of charge.”
Customers have used Journeo’s content management system, EPI to provide information on timetable disruption and COVID-19 public health information, reinforcing government guidelines on when it is appropriate to use public transport and giving those who need it access to the latest available information. The company is also providing free webinars to customers on how to control messaging and advertising campaigns during the pandemic.
One of the first authorities to make use of the updates was Worcestershire county council.
“The team at 21st Century quickly designed the content along with full-screen and split-screen adverts on our digital signage, to alert the public to only use public transport when it was absolutely necessary and to observe the recommendations of the NHS and Public Health England,” says Matt Stone, transport systems and technology manager, Worcestershire county council. “The flexibility of the system has allowed us to display relevant information to the public rapidly and target specific areas where we see the most footfall, such as bus stations and interchanges. We will also be using the displays to give our own message of thanks, during the Thursday applause.”
Riaz adds: “With an ever-evolving situation, operators have had to amend timetables at a rate that would be difficult to achieve even in optimum conditions. Our customers have been working closely with operators to ensure real-time systems and on-street display signage keeps up with the fast-moving situation. They have found real benefit in the ability to support those changes with messaging, advising passengers of the reason for the change and what they can do to help. Giving passengers the information that they need is always important – but even more so in times of disruption.”