NJ Transit plans upgrades for Port Authority terminal

The NJ Transit board of directors today approved work to upgrade customer communications at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York — a project that will enable the transit authority to improve bus service at the largest-volume passenger terminal in the agency’s bus network.

The board authorized a $2.9 million contract with Daidone Electric of Newark, N.J., for construction work that includes installation of new variable message sign (VMS) monitors and public address systems; new conduit, cable and power feeds for existing and future ticket vending machines; an upgrade to the existing radio system; and installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

The upgrades will improve overall bus operations and provide a number of customer benefits, including real-time travel information, faster ticketing and improved PA announcements.

Construction is expected to begin this spring, with completion anticipated in December 2009.