The reduced uncertainty from clear displays of transit information is important for enhancing the passenger experience for all travelers. Communicating rich information such as route timings and locations can provide a large benefit for travelers. King County Metro plans to install more than 340 digital real time information signs by 2026. These signs have electronic paper style screens which make them well equipped for their outdoor service and come with a push-to-talk feature which can read out loud any text displayed on the screen. The screens are targeted for the RapidRide BRT lines in King County, WA. Three screen sizes exist: a 13” display which would be solar powered and attached to pre-existing bus stop poles, a 32” display, and a 42” display. Each of the signs come with dedicated poles and mast arms.

Table 1 breaks out the costs as reported by the vendor. Larger displays require an additional cost of $850 to $1,080 for mounting brackets. For push-to-talk buttons, in addition to the cost of the devices, there is an additional expense for initial programming and annual software fees for each sign. 

Table 1. RTIS Components and their costs