A passenger information display system (PIDS) provides real-time information to passengers who are utilizing ground transportation, specifically bus or rail. Traditionally, PIDS is an electronic information system that visually displays information about arrival and departure times, information about delays or disruptions in service, as well as the destination and bus or train number.
In response to a customer’s unique needs and challenges, Com-Net Software engineered the next generation of PIDS using TransitVision and TransitVoice. This offers a passenger communication system that is ADA compliant, as it delivers messaging both visually and audibly. The PIDS system accesses information from a central database, and also allows for local control as it services multiple zones and locations.
In response to the success of TransiVision and TransitVoice at manned stations, the desire was born to serve ‘unmanned’ stations with similar services but less infrastructure to support a full blown system. TransitVision and TransitVoice were re-configured and engineered specifically for this challenge and were successfully deployed in late December, 2016. These single-zone self-contained PIDS kiosks utilize a consolidated hardware approach that provides for the core functionality of the standard PIDS kiosk in a single zone, for use at smaller stations not requiring multiple zones of audio announcements and visual signage. Both models can be designed for use within a station or in an outside environment.
“A long-time rail customer came to us with a specific challenge, and Com-Net’s innovative team created the self-contained PIDS kiosks to meet our customer’s key objectives both efficiently and economically, while addressing their number one concern, which is to be ADA compliant at all stations and outlying platforms, enhancing their passenger’s experience at every touchpoint,” said Chad Timms, president, Com-Net Software, a SITA company.
PIDS kiosks are essentially a complete passenger information system housed in one box that contains all components needed to function, including, but not limited to a server, amplifier, temperature sensor, an AC unit and heater, cell router, switches, sensors, an uninterruptible power supply, a display and speakers.
Com-Net Software is a turnkey provider of comprehensive passenger communication solutions to the ground transportation industry, delivering our integrated Passenger Information Display Systems (PIDS) and Public Address Systems (PAS) to North America’s leading transit agencies. Com-Net also serves airports and airlines throughout the world by providing flight information displays (FIDS) and integrated Public Address Systems (PAS). Our software for both systems allows us to tailor a package to meet each customer’s unique needs, supporting ADA compliance efforts, while offering a state-of-the-art Emergency Communications System that pushes key safety messaging to displays and public address systems within seconds when any threat arises.
Com-Net Software’s main objective is to help its customers reach and surpass their goals for customer service, passenger flow, and operational performance by reaching passengers both visually and audibly, online and offline, inside and outside with timely, relevant and targeted multi-media information and messages.
