Chambéry moves forward with phase two of e-paper bus stop project

Synchro BUS continues to enhance the passenger experience with real-time information at more bus stops across the city

Synchro BUS, the urban transport network of the city of Chambéry, is replacing more paper timetables with Papercast® solar powered e-paper passenger information displays across the agglomeration.

Part of the Synchro intermodal mobility network in Chambéry, Synchro BUS is now operated by Keolis through its subsidiary Keolis Chambéry. It joined forces with SERFIM T.I.C, Papercast’s partner in France who integrates, installs and maintains Papercast solutions. SERFIM T.I.C provides information and communication systems that drive smart city innovation and has a long-standing relationship with the agglomeration.

The project forms part of a wider strategy to transform the bus network to promote modal shift and facilitate travel for 137,000 inhabitants across the 38 municipalities of the territory. To better meet resident expectations, the city will improve the traveller experience with new intermodal route planning tools and digital displays to disseminate information in real-time.

Synchro BUS is replacing paper timetables with live information on upcoming bus departures, as well as service disruptions and commercial messages. They selected Papercast solar powered 13.3” e-paper bus stop displays, which uses E Ink technology, following a head-to-head selection process against LCD and LED-based solutions. This second phase follows a highly successful first and will result in a total of 34 e-paper bus stops across the city centre.

“Synchro BUS selected e-paper due to the ultra-low energy consumption of e-paper technology and the fact that Papercast is solar powered and completely autonomous – making it easier to install and much more sustainable than the high power alternatives,” comments Nicolas PRIET, Sales Manager of SERFIM T.I.C. “The text to speech functionality for individuals with reduced mobility was also a priority and aligned with the ‘mobility accessible to all’ goals of the city”.

SERFIM provides information and communication systems to connect people, territories and businesses. It has worked with Chambéry for many years across all four of its business areas: superfast fibre optic broadband networks, security systems (video surveillance cameras), road traffic signalling and digital communication.

“Every city – whether big or small – is on a journey towards digital transformation to attract more people to public transport. Real-time passenger information is fundamental to realizing this strategy, and we are delighted to support Chambery in this way. Papercast offers an easy to implement and sustainable solution for operators that need to provide a wide range of sophisticated travel information at bus stops,” concludes Robert Bicket, CEO of Papercast.

The unique attributes of e-paper make it ideal for outside use, with unbeatable screen visibility, even in direct sunlight. Couple this with wireless connectivity and exceptionally low power consumption, and Papercast displays can be continuously solar powered – no power or connectivity cables are required. This means Papercast is quick to install to an existing pole or shelter, while offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly display technology.