Montgomery County Launches Transit Screen Initiative
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett on March 31 announced the launch of a transit screen project for public buildings that provides real-time information about all types of transportation options that are available near a particular location. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) initiative has installed two screens in Rockville, Maryland, one in the executive office building and one in the council office building. MCDOT hopes to expand the program to regional service centers, libraries, recreation centers and other County facilities.
“A central goal of my administration is to enhance economic development, and the communities around the country that are most successful economically seem to be those that offer a wide range of transportation options,” said Leggett. “I am committed to ensuring the County’s continued economic success by expanding our alternative transportation system to help boost sustainable growth.”
The two screens that have been installed are provided by TransitScreen and provide digital displays showing real-time transit information customized to any location.
“MCDOT is committed to a comprehensive approach to mobility that enhances our community’s quality of life by providing our residents with more good options to driving alone – and more information about the options that currently exist,” said MCDOT Acting Director Al Roshdieh. “That is why I am pursuing large and small opportunities, like TransitScreen, that can help educate people about the transit options that are close by. TransitScreen is just one of the innovations that we will be introducing to help us achieve the goal of a greener, smarter and more competitive community.”
In Rockville, the TransitScreen displays show up-to-the-minute status for Ride On bus, Metrobus and Metrorail, MARC train, Bikeshare and zip car.
“We are excited to be working with Montgomery County and County Executive Ike Leggett's office to help solve growing urban mobility challenges,” said TransitScreen Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Ryan Croft. “Academic research tells us that ubiquitous, real time information drives more ridership and enhances the overall transit rider experience. Live TransitScreen displays will allow residents and visitors to view all of their options in one place to make smart, sustainable transportation choices.”
Leggett thanked the public information office and the department of general services for their efforts in repurposing the directory wall in the Executive Office Building lobby to include TransitScreen and other information. The new display is part of a larger plan to redesign the lobby and make it more public friendly.
In addition to the unveiling of TransitScreen, two Ride On bus ad campaigns were highlighted during the press conference. One of the campaigns promotes Ride On’s 2014 award from the Transportation Association of Maryland as the best large bus system of the year. The other encourages the public to “See Something, Say Something,” and is a regional campaign funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Residents on the go are encouraged to use Ride On Real Time, the bus system’s app that provides real-time information about when the next bus is scheduled to arrive.
