One year on: COTA modernises transit stops with Papercast e-paper signage and adaptive power solutions

As we approach the one-year anniversary of Papercast’s successful deployment of 13-inch e-paper displays for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Columbus, Ohio we’re proud to reflect on how this project continues to enhance the rider experience. Over the past year, Papercast’s advanced technology and remote management capabilities have allowed COTA to adapt power settings and runtime configurations to handle challenging winter conditions.

A hybrid approach to power

Papercast’s tailored hybrid power solution proved its value during Columbus’s harsh winter months. Site assessments had initially identified shaded locations where solar power wasn’t viable, leading to the deployment of long-life battery modules. Over the year, Papercast’s remote management capabilities enabled adjustments to power settings at all stops—both solar and battery powered—to ensure best-case performance during worst-case weather conditions.

Retrofitting existing infrastructure

One of the project’s key achievements was its efficient use of COTA’s existing bus stop infrastructure. By retrofitting the displays onto COTA’s existing 2-inch square bus stop poles, the project minimised installation time and costs. This approach highlights how transit agencies can modernise their systems without requiring costly infrastructure overhauls.

Real-time information with advanced management

Powered by Papercast’s Content Management System (CMS), the displays have provided reliable real-time information over the past year, including departure times, system alerts, ridership updates, and linetrack diagrammes. LTE-M connectivity enables seamless wireless communication, while Papercast’s 24/7 monitoring tools have ensured COTA can track system performance and receive health alerts in real-time.

Accessibility and rider engagement

Papercast e-paper displays continue to deliver an inclusive and engaging rider experience, with features such as:

• Audio annunciator buttons: ADA-compliant text-to-speech buttons with braille, integrated speakers and automatic volume adjustment provide audio announcements for real-time arrival and ridership updates.
• Interactive options: Riders can cycle through content with a user-friendly button, making valuable information more accessible and adaptable to individual needs.

Key learnings and project highlights for transit agencies

As this project reaches its first anniversary, Papercast and COTA share the following insights:

• Comprehensive deployment planning: ensure thorough site assessments, detailed project management, accurate data configuration and installation to ensure a smooth rollout.
• Adaptable power solutions: Combining solar power and long-life battery modules proved essential for accommodating varied site conditions and weather extremes.
• Infrastructure retrofitting: Leveraging existing infrastructure reduced costs and shortened the deployment timeline.
• Remote management: Papercast’s CMS allowed dynamic adjustments to power settings and real-time content updates, ensuring consistent performance throughout the year.

A scalable model for transit modernisation

This milestone serves as a powerful example of how transit agencies can adopt scalable, adaptable and sustainable technology to modernise their systems. By working with Papercast, COTA has demonstrated that forward-thinking infrastructure upgrades can deliver real value for riders and operational efficiencies for agencies.

Papercast is honored to have partnered with COTA on this project and remains committed to supporting their ongoing success. We hope this project inspires other transit agencies to embrace similar innovations in their networks.

Using E Ink technology, Papercast e-paper bus stop displays are well proven around the world with deployments in more than 45 countries.

See more in our Render to reality series.