This paper examines the use of digital signage technology in public transportation, drawing on a 2008 Business Wire article about Omnivex software's deployment on Norway's Fjord1 bus network. The paper describes how GPS-triggered digital displays provide real-time bus tracking, schedule updates, and local points of interest to passengers. It argues that Scandinavian countries lead in transit technology investment due to longstanding high fuel costs, and suggests that similar systems could benefit American cities with large commuter and tourist populations. An annotated bibliography identifies the primary source used.
As the economy worsens, more and more people are turning to public transportation as a means of commuting to work or for leisure-time travel. However, as a 2008 article from Business Wire — "Omnivex Wins DIGI Award for Digital Signage on Bus System in Norway" — makes clear, America lags behind many European countries in the sophistication of its travel technology, specifically regarding digital signage systems in public transportation. Norway has made a massive investment in improving information technology throughout its transportation infrastructure. One of the primary transportation companies in Norway, Fjord1, currently uses Omnivex software to manage GPS-triggered digital signage across Norway's expansive bus system. Omnivex is a Toronto-based company and the world leader in software development for digital signage networks and electronic displays, managing content management, real-time data acquisition and distribution, and remote device monitoring across all aspects of digital signage networks.
Ironically, although the DIGI Awards are presented in New York and the winning company is Canadian, it is Europe — specifically the Scandinavian countries — that has made the greatest investment in digital signage systems for public transport. Gas is more expensive in these nations, and has been for many years. The sharp upturn in fuel costs in 2008 was not a surprise to Northern Europe, as gasoline had already been prohibitively expensive for some time, turning many people into regular users of public transportation. The digital signage technology adds a unique component to every passenger's experience, making the system more user-friendly and informative for the many people who rely on public transportation in Norway.
The digital signage installation covers four hundred of Fjord1's buses as well as its bus terminals. The system uses GPS data to trigger which content the software displays based on the location of the bus. It highlights points of interest in the surrounding area and provides information about connecting buses on the schedule. The system also tracks other buses in real time, so passengers know whether buses will be late or on time. This makes transportation both more user-friendly and more efficient for the infrastructure as a whole. It reduces the chances of riders boarding the wrong bus or misreading different schedules, and it informs riders when a bus is cancelled or delayed so they can contact someone or find an alternative connection. It also keeps tourists and visitors well-informed about local points of interest, such as restaurants and historic attractions. The underlying technology relies on GPS positioning to deliver contextually relevant information automatically as the bus moves through different locations.
"Convenience gains for riders and visitors"
"Case for adopting similar systems in the US"
"Source citation and description for Business Wire article"
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