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    1. Safety & Security

    SFMTA surpasses midpoint in next generation shelter display installation

    Nov. 4, 2022
    The new screens will show real-time multilingual information, including graphics, maps and destinations.
    Related To: San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)
    SMFTA
    New Muni service information displays are going into Muni shelters throughout San Francisco with updated features as part of SFMTA’s Next Generation Customer Information System upgrades.
    New Muni service information displays are going into Muni shelters throughout San Francisco with updated features as part of SFMTA’s Next Generation Customer Information System upgrades.

    As part of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Next Generation Customer Information System (CIS) project, SMFTA is installing more than 800 new, larger Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) at Muni shelters and stations, replacing existing NextBus signs and expanding real-time information coverage. The agency is over halfway to completion, with more than 435 new displays installed in shelters to date. The new screens will show real-time multilingual information, including graphics, maps and destinations. 

    SMFTA
    New LCD displays (left) are replacing the previous Muni information displays (right).
    New LCD displays (left) are replacing the previous Muni information displays (right).

    Beginning this fall, Muni predictions on SMFTA’s new and improved Next Generation screens will include:

    • Crowding- On vehicles equipped with automatic passenger counters, displays will show how crowded they are.
    • Short-term route changes- SMFTA will be able to show planned short-term route changes, such as routing around special events.

    The agency is aiming to replace the remaining displays by the end of 2023. Additionally, SMFTA is working on new display locations with an emphasis on underserved neighborhoods, such as those identified by the Bayview Community Based Transportation Plan.

    Due to the nationwide AT&T 3G shutdown on June 8, NextMuni displays that use 3G modems no longer show information. SMFTA has been upgrading to 4G modems to continue to provide predictions while the agency rolls out the new LCD displays and prepares for more significant system software upgrades.