Digital display is first in High Desert
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Passengers are excited for the introduction of real-time transit signage at the Apple Valley Transfer Point. Located at the Apple Valley Post Office, the digital signage delivers real-time bus arrival information for VVTA Routes 23, 40, 41, 43, and 47, enabling riders to easily plan trips on the fly.
“VVTA serves rural landscapes that present many technical challenges, and this is especially true when delivering real-time data to riders,” says VVTA Mobility Manager Aaron Moore. “Because of this, we sought a manufacturer willing to adapt an existing solution to meet the demands of our unique operational environment and judicious budgetary constraints.”
The sign manufacturer, FLEETWATCH, provided the real-time signage free of charge, as a 90-day demonstration of its abilities. During this period, VVTA has worked closely with the manufacturer to develop usability and reliability improvements, including the introduction of solar power, low-voltage lighting, real-time data transmission that reaches as far as Lucerne Valley for VVTA Route 23, and programming.
“The technical challenges we overcome here in the High Desert will benefit rural transit agencies throughout the country, as they too will reap the rewards of our success,” Moore said.
With an operational footprint of over 425 square miles, VVTA boasts a total of 74 solar-powered stops and shelters. Many more are in the works. The real-time transit signage is the High Desert’s first.
“This is cool. And it’s useful. It’s just like the big city,” said one group of Victor Valley College student riders, as they gazed upon the digital sign. “It’s just like L.A. Metro. The High Desert is moving on up. It makes riding the bus easy.”
If the signage proves effective following the 90-day demonstration and development period, VVTA will consider purchasing and deploying signage at its major transfer points throughout the High Desert.
“It's obvious why transit riders love real-time information,” asserts a City Lab, a blog dedicated to creating cities of the future. “They can plan their trip and shed the psychological angst that comes with waiting for the next bus or train.”
“Although the increase in weekday route-level ridership may appear modest, on aggregate these increases exert a substantial positive effect on farebox revenue,” a City Lab blog post states.