Digital Real-Time Signage Pilot
Pilot Status: Deployment at River Front Transit Center during Summer 2026. Survey at bottom of page.
Santa Cruz METRO is testing a new generation of real-time passenger information displays at River Front Transit Center. These digital signs are designed to provide riders with live bus arrival information, service updates, and important travel notices, helping customers make informed travel decisions before boarding.
This pilot project represents an important step toward modernizing the customer experience and improving access to real-time transit information throughout the METRO system.
We welcome your feedback as we evaluate this new technology for future deployment across the METRO system. Survey available at bottom of page
What are these signs?
The new displays use electronic ink (e-ink) technology—the same type of low-power display found in many e-readers—to present clear, easy-to-read transit information in nearly any lighting condition while consuming very little electricity.
Unlike printed schedules or static signage, these displays update automatically throughout the day using METRO’s real-time transit information.
The displays may show:
- Live departure times
- Bus delays
- Cancelled trips
- Service alerts
- Other important rider information
Because the signs receive updates automatically, customers can access the latest information without relying solely on printed notices or mobile apps.
What is “real-time” information?
The displays receive information from METRO’s GTFS-Realtime feed.
GTFS stands for General Transit Feed Specification, the industry standard used by public transit agencies around the world to share schedules and live vehicle information with trip planning applications and passenger information systems.
If you’ve used the Transit app or another trip planning app to see when your bus is arriving, you’ve already used GTFS-Realtime.
These displays use that same live information and present it directly at the bus stop, allowing riders to view upcoming departures even if they don’t have a smartphone.
Accessibility
Each display includes a Text-to-Speech (TTS) button to improve accessibility for riders who are blind or have low vision.
When activated, the display will read the arrival and service information aloud, providing another way for customers to independently access real-time transit information.
Improving accessibility is an important part of this pilot and future deployment plans.
Why is METRO testing these signs?
As with any new technology, it’s important to evaluate how well it performs in a real operating environment before expanding deployment.
During this pilot, METRO will be evaluating:
- Display reliability
- Information accuracy
- Readability in various weather and lighting conditions
- Customer understanding and ease of use
- Accessibility features
- Overall rider satisfaction
Feedback from customers will help determine future improvements and guide how the technology is implemented throughout the system.
Help Shape the Future of Rider Information
Complete the brief, 13 question survey below, sharing your experience with the new signs.