Case Studies

CITYBUS brings first digital bus stop to Kuwait

Key features
  • Kuwait's first ever electronic passenger information service

  • Industry-first solar powered e-paper technology for the GCC states

  • Papercast’s first deployment of the double 32” e-paper display

  • 6-months of testing in extreme environmental conditions

  • Fully integrated real-time passenger information platform

CITYBUS is a division of the privately-owned City Group Co. the leading transport operator in Kuwait

Overview

CITYBUS transforms bus transportation in Kuwait with the first ever electronic passenger information service. The end-to-end solution from Papercast also features industry-first solar powered e-paper technology for the GCC states.

Background

CITYBUS was looking for a complete passenger information solution to support its mission to increase public transport adoption and establish its position as Kuwait’s leading public transport operator. The new technology needs to redefine service standards by replacing traditional bus stop paper timetables, with an initial deployment on four dedicated routes serving Kuwait International Airport.

Solution

This was 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.

Outcomes

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”.

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