Get ready, Bengaluru commuters! The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is rolling out state-of-the-art Digital Bus Information Displays (DBIDs) at its busiest bus stations. These dynamic screens will give you instant, real-time updates on bus arrivals, their exact bay locations, and any important service alerts, making your daily commute much smoother.
This innovative smart display system isn’t just for bus info; it will also serve as a valuable advertising platform. Officials confirm that this initiative is a key part of BMTC’s ongoing efforts to significantly enhance the passenger experience and improve access to crucial travel information across its terminals.
BMTC has already started the process, inviting bids for the installation, operation, and maintenance of these DBIDs. The project is ambitious, spanning 22 major bus stations and featuring a total of 186 digital display units, including four impressive large video walls. This five-year contract, with a potential extension of up to three years, allows the chosen agency to manage the displays and utilize advertising rights in return.
Each individual display will be a crisp 55-inch full-HD LED screen. What makes them truly smart is their integration with BMTC’s Passenger Information System (PIS) and Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS). This ensures accurate Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) data, precise bay-specific information, and easy-to-understand wayfinding guidance, all presented in both Kannada and English.
Key Features of the New Digital Bus Information Displays (DBIDs)
- Advanced digital screens are coming to major BMTC bus stations.
- Expect real-time updates on bus arrivals, specific bay information, and important announcements.
- These displays will feature a mix of BMTC’s essential messages and commercial advertisements.
- The rollout targets 22 major BMTC bus hubs.
- The project encompasses a total of 186 digital display units, including four impressive large video walls for maximum impact.
An official emphasized that these digital displays will do more than just modernize the aesthetic of bus stations; they will make travel significantly more predictable and passenger-friendly. ‘Commuters will now have immediate access to real-time bus arrival information, crucial route updates, and all public announcements, right at their fingertips,’ they explained.
To ensure reliability, the entire system will be supported by a centralized Network Operations Centre (NOC). This centre will constantly monitor display uptime and health, guaranteeing a minimum of 90% operational time daily. Any reported downtime will trigger an immediate alert, with repairs guaranteed within 24 hours.
Beyond scheduled information, each screen boasts the capability to automatically power on and off at set times. They can also be used to broadcast urgent emergency messages or even live news feeds when necessary. BMTC will reserve 50% of the screen time for its official announcements, leaving the remaining half available for the licensee to run advertisements, all subject to strict content guidelines.
Another official highlighted, ‘The Digital Bus Information Display system represents a significant leap towards creating smarter, more informative bus stations. It will not only empower commuters to plan their journeys more effectively but also generate valuable non-fare revenue for BMTC through innovative advertising opportunities.’