CHK America launches digital division for interactive info kiosks

CHK America, provider of customer information and wayfinding solutions for the U.S. public transportation industry, has officially launched its new Connectpoint® Digital Division.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Pittsburgh’s Port Authority of Allegheny County (Port Authority) and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) have ordered the company’s proprietary Connectpoint® Interactive Touchscreen Kiosks, the first product category to launch among a suite of new digital products developed by CHK America.

“Web-enabled Connectpoint® Interactive Touchscreen Kiosks deliver distilled complex route information into wayfinding messages that users can easily read and understand,” said Chuck Menzel, VP, Information Technology. “Our new digital products integrate with tracking and location systems, scheduling systems and other agency information systems allowing agencies to provide more comprehensive information to their customers, including a custom route planning feature in the transit kiosks that is available to passengers by simply entering their destination.”

Touchscreen technology in the Connectpoint® Interactive Touchscreen Kiosks allows for intuitive interaction with the information to explore transit options and to create specific routes, including an overview of the entire route, next departure time and where to disembark. The kiosks also provide trip-planning tools that include detailed travel directions for public transportation, cars, bicycling and walking. Texting and email options are also included for easy transfer to a mobile device.

Connectpoint® Interactive Touchscreen Kiosks are highly customizable with geo-targeted information pertinent to individual agency needs. Non-transit information, such as weather forecasts, nearby businesses, and news headlines can be included. With the ability to display online advertisements, ConnectPoint® can also be a revenue-generator for transit agencies.

While CHK America launched its new Connectpoint® Digital Division with the Connectpoint® Interactive Touchscreen Kiosks, its new suite of digital products also includes Connectpoint® Digital Bus Stops that are solar or battery powered and can easily be mounted directly to poles. Connectpoint® Digital Bus Stops deliver next departure information, schedules, maps and other messages without the use of electricity, eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure improvements. The information on the screen can be updated in real time or be set to update according to a pre-determined schedule.