Orange County Transportation Authority enhances bus stops with real-time information and solar lighting
Revolutionizing urban mobility with off-grid innovations
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) services over 50 million riders across 34 cities annually and embarked on an ambitious project to enhance their Route 553 service in Santa Ana, CA. This project focused on providing digital e-paper displays with real-time arrival passenger information and solar lighting to 26 of their bus stops, setting a new standard in public transportation passenger communications and safety.
Overcoming modern day transit obstacles
OCTA addressed multiple customer experience improvements with this project, including communicating accurate bus arrival times and enhancing passenger safety at bus stops without access to electrical connections. The primary challenge was to deploy a reliable, sustainable solution that could deliver accurate transit updates and improve stop visibility without relying on traditional power sources.
The ultimate passenger information and lighting solution
OCTA's primary focus is on improving passenger amenities and enhancing the rider experience, connecting people safely and efficiently to the places they want to be. In line with this commitment, Urban Solar was selected to equip OCTA’s bus stops with the latest solar-powered digital signage and lighting.
Digital real-time information displays: E-paper displays provide up-to-date bus arrival times and service changes directly to passengers at the stop.
Solar lighting systems: The PV Stop+ lighting systems ensure enhanced safety and visibility after dark, ensuring riders are kept safe and seen at night.
Remote system management: An integrated Content Management System (CMS) allows OCTA to remotely monitor battery health, change lighting profiles and reboot the displays as required.
Swift installation process: Utilizing existing transit pole infrastructure to minimize costs, installations were completed within two weeks to minimize disruption to the route and passengers waiting at the stops.
Training and maintenance: OCTA staff received thorough training on the new systems to ensure smooth operation and maintenance, supported by ongoing technical support from our team.
“They were selected because they have the best devices, at the best prices, out of the proposals we received. We have had an excellent experience working with Urban Solar and are very satisfied with our purchase.”
Transformative results for OCTA and its riders
The project’s completion in June 2022 led to immediate and positive impacts including:
Improved passenger experience: Real-time bus arrival times and detour updates help to reduce perceived passenger wait times, while enhancing overall satisfaction.
Elevated safety: Enhanced lighting has made OCTA’s bus stops safer during nighttime hours and increased passenger security, ensuring they are illuminated and seen.
Eco-friendly and cost-effective: The shift to solar power supports OCTA’s long-term network improvement goals and offers ongoing cost savings by reducing grid power dependency.
About Urban Solar
Urban Solar is the North American market leader in off-grid lighting and amenities for bus stops. Since 2008, Urban Solar solutions have enhanced safety and rider experience at over 20,000 bus stops across North America.