CITYBUS introduces the first ever electronic passenger information service in Kuwait

End-to-end solution from Papercast features industry-first solar powered e-paper technology for the GCC states

CITYBUS, a division of the privately-owned City Group Co. the leading transport operator in Kuwait, has today announced that it is transforming bus transportation in Kuwait with the first ever electronic passenger information service from Papercast Ltd, leaders in solar powered e-paper real-time passenger information systems.

The landmark solution aims to redefine service standards, replacing traditional bus stop paper timetables with Papercast’s first deployment of the double 32” e-paper display and onboard service information screens, with a fully integrated GTFS real-time passenger information platform. This overall solution also includes a transit management system for improved bus arrival accuracy and service performance management, and will enable a new mobile app in the new year – another first for Kuwait.

CITYBUS is the first public transport provider to introduce solar powered e-paper technology into the GCC states, with an initial deployment on four dedicated routes serving Kuwait International Airport. The solution underwent 6-months of testing during which the Papercast e-paper display withstood extreme environmental conditions, with daily temperatures exceeding 48°C in the summer months combined with severe sand storms. It is expected that the technology will be rolled out across CITYBUS’s new fleet over the next three years.

“Getting accurate service information to passengers on time is transforming the service experience in cities around the world. We are delighted to be the first to introduce this technology, not only in Kuwait but across the GCC states,” comments Jamil Malik, Chief Operating Officer of City Group Co. “We selected Papercast as they were able to provide an end-to-end solution with some of the most progressive technology we have seen. Furthermore, the Papercast e-paper displays are wireless and solar powered so we can easily install them without any power or infrastructure changes. It’s also an environmentally friendly solution”.

Papercast delivers a complete passenger information solution to help CITYBUS in its mission to increase public transport adoption and establish its position as Kuwait’s leading public transport operator.

Papercast’s range of solar powered, wireless e-paper bus stop displays provide excellent outdoor visibility and have been engineered with leading design principles of superior functionality and exceptionally low energy consumption. Completely stand-alone, the displays can be easily installed ‘off-the-grid’ within hours and the cloud-based transit management platform provides operational control and real-time data integration.

“We are delighted to be at the forefront of yet another industry-first,” comments Robert Bicket, CEO of Papercast. “This has proven to be an exceptional project with a forward-thinking company. Together, we have completely transformed the passenger experience and set the standard for the region with a fully integrated solution, also demonstrating that Papercast displays can withstand the demands of the harshest environmental conditions”. 

Designed, developed and produced in its entirety in-house, Papercast was launched in March 2016 after comprehensive field testing. One year later the firm unveiled its advanced quad-core E-paper driver board with enhanced power performance and a unique range of new features. This was quickly followed by a new ruggedized IP65-rated enclosure, made from extruded aluminium with a toughened laminated anti-vandal, anti-scratch front glass, integrated accelerometer and a secure fixing mechanism.