Papercast selected for Chicago Transit Authority pilot for solar and battery powered real-time displays

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) recently announced that Papercast has been selected to participate in its Innovation Studio pilot program.

This winter, our wireless, solar- and battery-powered e-paper digital bus stop signage will be installed at various locations across Chicago, delivering real-time information and improving accessibility for thousands of daily transit riders.

About the CTA innovation studio pilot

The Innovation Studio is dedicated to piloting advanced technologies to tackle some of the transit system’s biggest challenges. The goal is to provide Chicago’s residents and visitors with a modern, convenient and efficient transit experience.

This pilot targets its customer experience problem statement for How can CTA expand real-time arrival and alert signage to bus stops?

Papercast’s role in the project

Our displays offer real-time bus arrival info and will feature ADA compliant text-to-speech buttons for audible announcements, making them accessible for all riders.

As part of the project, we’re providing different display sizes, each designed to suit the unique needs of various bus stop environments. Our displays are powered sustainably through solar and battery modules, ensuring reliable operation through Chicago’s challenging weather—all while minimising environmental impact.

Through this pilot, CTA will monitor rider feedback, performance, reliability, and overall system usability to determine which solutions best meet the agency’s needs.

This pilot will shape CTA’s long-term strategies for providing convenient, efficient transit information—and we’re honored to be a part of it.

A collaborative approach to a modern transit system

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Chicago Transit Authority to pilot our wireless solar and battery powered e-paper displays,” said Jenni Evans, head of Sales and Operations for North America. “We’re looking forward to helping CTA track KPIs during the pilot to gain insights that will enhance their operations and the rider experience.”

We’re proud to bring our innovative technology to Chicago and can’t wait to see the positive impact on CTA’s network.

For more details about the digital bus stop pilot program, read the full CTA announcement here.