Bus Projects

UBC Digital Screen Pilot

In December 2021, TransLink unveiled three new models of real-time information signs at bus stops within UBC Exchange to improve the quality and accessibility of real-time transit information and provide an even better transit experience for customers.

Customers in the exchange will notice two types of new signs at some of the stops, each with a digital screen showing stop-related information, as well as a centralized digital information board—TransLink’s first!

Some stops have poles which are designed to be seen from far away, while others have plinths, which are essentially a wider type of stand that are more easily experienced up close. The digital information board is centrally located to provide an easy one-stop-spot to plan your trip.

All of these screens feature:

• Next Bus arrival information

• Alerts for individual bus routes, as well as systemwide alerts; and

• Other relevant and timely transit information such as transit etiquette reminders and upcoming service change information.

More than just what’s on screen, this pilot is also about the overall functionalities of the different models. This means:

• Improved visibility and legibility, both day and night, for static and variable information including full colour backlit LCD screens with larger, clearer text, and backlit bus stop and route numbers;

• An ability to provide a range of transit information and the flexibility to change information as needed; and

• Enhanced accessibility of information in two formats including text-to-speech audio and a Braille panel with bus stop information.

By integrating these features into three unique sign models, we’re able to evaluate how different types of technology can improve information sharing when used together in a purpose-built system. Over the next year, we will be assessing this new way of sharing information with our customers and how different technologies can help us to keep our customers informed throughout their journeys.

We want to hear from you! If you have feedback on this pilot, please reach out to our Customer Information team at 604.953.3333.

Real-time Information Display Retirement

As of Jan. 1, 2021, TransLink’s service provider will no longer support its 2G network, which has enabled internet connectivity to LED real-time information displays at some bus stops across the region. That is why 27 LED information displays at bus stops along Main Street will be retired and removed starting Dec. 31, 2020.

These displays were installed in 2009 as part of a pilot project with Transport Canada and the City of Vancouver. This pilot project has provided valuable insight that has helped inform planning work for real-time bus information technology across the region.

Displays at Main Street–Science World Station, and additional displays at Carvolth Exchange and South Surrey Park and Ride will be replaced with newer models to continue serving these transit hubs.

For real-time transit information, we encourage customers to:

• sign up for transit alerts at translink.ca/alerts, or

• text your bus stop number to 33333 or visit translink.ca/next-bus.

TransLink’s Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Program takes place during the summer months and is focussed on resurfacing asphalt walking, driving, and parking areas at Coast Mountain Bus Company transit centres and bus loops. This critical work supports the continued safety of our bus facilities for customers and employees today and for years to come.

TransLink is installing braille signage on every bus stop pole across the system by the end of 2022. To make it easier to find bus stops, TransLink will also install tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI) at every bus stop on TransLink-owned property.

The braille bus stop signs will contain:

• Information written in both Unified English Braille and raised tactile letters

• Bus stop ID numbers

• Bus routes serving that bus stop

• Bay or bus stop indicators

• Customer Information phone number

In addition to the braille signage, tactile walking surface indicators will be installed at every bus stop on property that TransLink owns. These raised surface indicators will be mounted on the ground to help customers who are blind or partially sighted know they are near a bus stop while helping direct them to the front door of the bus.

These improvements will help customers who are blind or partially sighted to better navigate the transit system by letting them know which stop they are at and which buses they are waiting for. TransLink will be the first transit system in Canada to install braille signage across its entire bus system once installation is complete.