New digital signs with more accurate information are coming to Wellington bus stops and train stations in New Zealand thanks to a deal between Metlink and Japanese technology firm NEC.

NEC provides smart transport and other technology services for both government and corporate entities and has an innovation lab in Wellington.

The project to upgrade Metlink’s real-time information (RTI) system should enhance tracking of buses and trains and adds a feature that measures available onboard capacity.

“It will track the location of our vehicles every second of the day and update digital signs faster than they update now,” said Thomas Nash, Greater Wellington Transport Committee chair. “Arrival time predictions will be more accurate with any detours factored in. The current system is close to its use by date and its inaccuracy is a significant pain point for our passengers. The new system will greatly enhance passenger confidence in our network. It will help increase patronage and contribute to our goal of making public transport a more attractive option than driving for as many people as possible.”

Information on NEC’s signs will be generated by Metlink and displayed using software developed by Wellington’s Somar Digital (www.somar.co.nz). Along with the new signs, text to speech units will be installed at some bus stops for blind and visually impaired passengers. The project will also make life easier for bus drivers. Tablets will be fitted onboard buses that display route diversions within seconds of being transmitted by operators.

“NEC is a multi-national company with a strong New Zealand presence,” said Mel Barber, managing director of NEC in New Zealand (www.nec.co.nz). “That means we can draw on both local knowledge and global experience to deliver and maintain the system for years to come.”

Darren Scofield, NEC’s head of smart transport for New Zealand, added: “NEC has the skill and experience to provide a state-of-the-art system that Wellingtonians will be proud of. We look forward to drawing on the expertise of our Wellington-based partner HTS Group to install the new signs, text-to-speech units and bus tracking devices, which will greatly improve the travel experience of public transport users and bus drivers in the Wellington region.”

And Metlink group manager Samantha Gain said rolling out such a large project could take up to two years.

“About 250 digital signs around the region need to be replaced and new hardware installed on approximately 450 buses,” she said. “By June 2024 we hope to have the new RTI software up and running in the background, and the whole project completed by December 2025. We greatly appreciate our passengers’ patience while we roll out the new system. Providing more timely and accurate information will help improve public confidence and satisfaction in our network.”

To view an animation promoting the new RTI screens coming to bus stops, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgdUoc3gXHk. For the latest information on the Metlink public transport network, visit www.metlink.org.nz.