The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) has signed a new contract with GMV to expand its digital signage project in Houston, Texas.
Valued at more than $26 million, the contract calls for GMV to implement a cloud-hosted content management system and provide installation, maintenance and support for Houston Metro’s growing digital signage network over a seven-year period. With up to 3,000 digital signs planned for transit centers, rail platforms and bus stops, it is one of the largest investments in real-time signage by a U.S. transit agency.
Since 2019, Houston Metro has deployed more than 200 new real-time digital signs at key transit centers and platforms on the METRORapid Silver Line. Each site-specific installation uses a combination of multimedia video screens and LED scrolling message signs to put the right information in front of passengers. The system ensures passengers can easily find live bus departure times, transit service alerts and public service announcements to help them complete their journey with confidence. GMV’s software manages the real-time flow of data to the signs, enabling Houston Metro staff to post messages to them individually or in groups, publish multimedia content and monitor digital signs remotely from the office.
The project expansion will include signage at transit centers, current and planned light-rail platforms, park and ride facilities and forthcoming BOOST bus lines. The new BOOST lines combine high frequency bus service with bus stop amenities to enhance the passenger experience on Houston Metro’s busiest routes. These improvements are part of METRONext, a 2019 voter-approved investment in Houston’s public transportation system.
GMV opened an office in Houston to support the project and the overall expansion of its transit business in the United States. GMV’s growing Houston facility is staffed by a growing number of technical and administrative employees and the company is proud to contribute to the local economy as an employer.
“It is a strong vote of confidence in our team for Houston Metro to expand its digital signage work with GMV,” said Ian Sephton, CEO of GMV’s U.S. transportation division. “This project demonstrates that GMV’s technology can help transit agencies of all sizes to deliver a great passenger experience to their riders.”
