Busem makes a smart move in Písek with Papercast e-paper bus stops

Using Papercast solar powered e-paper displays, the new electronic information system will provide passengers with real-time information on Busem (part of ČSAD AUTOBUSY České Budějovice a.s) services.

As part of the city’s ‘Smart Pisek’ initiative, the e-paper displays will improve the day-to-day passenger experience and fuel wider adoption of bus services. Replacing traditional static timetables, passengers will benefit from dynamic arrival information based on the actual position of the vehicles on the route, as well as immediate updates on service or connection disruptions due to abnormal traffic conditions.

Radek Novotný, company executive at BNV Consulting, responsible for delivering the solution for ČSAD AUTOBUSY České Budějovice, commented:

 Papercast’s e-paper displays were selected due to outdoor visibility, exceptional power consumption, easy installation and technology lifetime: 

1. Outdoor Visibility: Using E Ink technology, the high-contrast high-definition displays come with night time LED illumination for readability in all lighting conditions
2. Power Consumption: Compared to an LCD panel, Papercast uses a minute fraction of the power and has been engineered to surpass the functionality and energy efficiency of any other standalone bus stop display available
3. Easy Installation: Papercast is entirely solar powered with wireless connectivity so there is no need for any civils work, the panels are securely mounted to existing bus stops and connected wirelessly to the cloud-based data management platform
4. Technology Lifetime: Physically protected by a ruggedised IP65-rated enclosure, the platform is in continual development and can be remotely updated and managed to ensure it remains the most advanced available on the market.

This is part of a wider real-time passenger information platform, including a bus position tracking system that integrates with the Papercast data management platform to deliver content to the displays. Papercast e-paper displays will show line numbers, routes from the bus stop, actual arrival times and closest connections, as well as the ability to show messages in the event of significant service changes and to promote important city information, news and events.