NJ Transit Testing Real-Time Bus Information Signs In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — Commuters who take NJ Transit buses from Howell to destinations in North Jersey and New York can get real-time information on when the next bus is arriving through a pilot program being tested by NJ Transit.

The signs, which are solar-powered, show customers the real-time arrival information for the next bus.

The signs also collect data for the agency.

The eight signs are being tested at several heavily used routes to New York City, an NJ Transit spokesman told Patch.

The sign in Howell is at the Aldrich Road Park and Ride near Route 9.

Two signs are being tested in Manalapan, at the Route 9 North and Gordon's Corner Road bus stops.

As part of the pilot, the signs employ e-paper displays, like that of popular reading tablets, making them ADA-compliant. They also include text-to-speech announcement capability and automated safety lighting for improved nighttime visibility.

The Monmouth County partnership is with Urban Solar, a manufacturer of solar energy systems for bus stops and shelters.

The signs also provide NJ Transit with AI-driven customer analytics such as people-counting, bus occupancy, and demand modeling, to help with future planning, NJ Transit said.

One feature is called "leave-behind detection" that lets the agency count how many people couldn't board due to full buses.

Customers who want to give feedback can do it here.