NJ Transit Testing Real-Time Bus Information Signs In Manalapan

MANALAPAN, NJ — Commuters who take NJ Transit buses from Manalapan 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, and 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 signs in Manalapan are on Route 9 North and Gordon's Corner Road.

In addition to the signs in Manalapan, a sign is also being tested at the Aldrich Road Park and Ride near Route 9 in Howell.

As part of the pilot, the signs employ e-paper displays (like those 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.

“Partnering with emerging tech companies allows us to test solutions that directly enhance the customer experience — in this case by improving access to important customer information,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri, in a statement.

“These digital signs not only provide real-time updates to riders at bus stops, but also supply NJ Transit with valuable data to help us plan more responsive and customer-focused technology solutions.”

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

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

Customers who want to give feedback can do so here.

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