Improving the passenger experience is just as important to transit authorities as providing a high-level of on- and off-vehicle safety. Both play critical roles in increasing transit ridership.

Safety and ridership go hand in-hand

Passenger safety is critical for any transit service operation. The need for enhanced safety grows as city sizes and ridership increase, the costs of personal car ownership become more prohibitive, and city planners focus on keeping single occupant vehicles out of congested areas.

Passenger safety systems fall under two categories here. There are the systems that operate out of sight and aid an agency in improving operations and mitigating risk.  And, there are the systems that operate in plain view of the public and do double duty to improve passenger safety and enhance safety from the passenger’s perspective. Both types of systems improve overall vehicle safety and that of all those on-board. The latter helps improve the passenger experience and increase ridership.

Couple this with a need to match digital transformation in the transportation space. Ordering car shares with an app. Making efficient commuting connections with a swipe of your finger. Knowing in real-time where congestion is forming and how to avoid it.

In today’s digital age, transit passengers seek the same level of refined, user-driven content on-board transit buses that:

• Enhance their transit experience and provide additional value during commutes.

• Help them stay abreast of current information as it relates to them in the moment.

• Maximize their time and make correct/best connections.

An easy-to-implement solution that drives value to each of the points above is an Infotainment/Public Display Monitor system. An added benefit to the agency here is the ability to create an additional revenue stream through on-board digital advertising. More about this in a moment.

An Infotainment/Public Display system consists of a display monitor, installed in one or more locations on the bus, and a media player, typically located alongside the bus video surveillance equipment. Monitors are available in a number of sizes and functionality options, including split screen for multiple inputs. The media player is portable and compact and displays video or images based on pre-defined campaigns, priorities, or location-based data. Content can also be swapped out at a moment’s notice.

One system can:

1. Increase Passenger Awareness and Safety

Providing a live feed from all or some on-board cameras onto a public display monitor reduces instances of assault. The principle is if a person sees themselves on the monitor, they are less likely to commit a crime. On-board monitors also help passengers feel safer knowing they and their fellow passengers are being recorded.

1. Provide Your Passengers with Real-Time Updates

Transit agencies can use on-board systems to convey real-time status updates and public service announcements. Amber alerts, traffic congestion, accident details, local event, and emergency coverage help make passenger commutes more efficient and relevant. The system serves as a connection point between passengers, the transit agency and local surroundings.

1. Enable Digital Advertising

Connect your passengers to information that relates to where they are at the moment. Are they at a stop that features a taco shop? Is it lunchtime? And is it Taco Tuesday – half price tacos? This type of Infotainment can help an agency earn additional revenue with very little effort. Onboard advertising is remotely managed, including the updating of ad-related media files. Location-based advertising can also help an agency form mutually beneficial relationships with local business. These relationships provide increased revenue for the local economy as well.

COVID-19 and other health and safety threats

Ensuring safety for passengers and drivers is even more critical today as we navigate evolving safety measures and guidelines. Transit agencies need a way to communicate new and ever-changing information to best protect their employees and passengers. Communication methods must enable quick and easy pivots as needs dictate.

The long-term value of an Infotainment System

The ability of any transit agency to communicate effectively with their passengers is directly related to bottom line results. Good communication can build trust with your customers and engage them in the mission of your business.

Increase passenger safety, the overall ride experience and grow your ridership, while benefiting from additional advertising dollars. Contact a Safe Fleet safety expert to learn more safefleet.net/contact-us.

Daniel Pulskamp,is VP, Transit Bus & Rail, for Safe Fleet