Destination sign

Destination sign or destination indicator is a sign mounted on the front, side, or rear of public transport vehicles, such as buses, trams, and trains, designed to indicate the vehicle's route or destination to prospective passengers. These signs can be made of traditional rollsigns (a scroll of material with destinations), electronic displays, or a combination of both. The primary purpose of destination signs is to provide clear and concise information regarding the service offered by the vehicle, aiding passengers in making informed decisions about their travel.

History

The use of destination signs dates back to the early days of public transportation. Initially, these signs were simple wooden or metal boards that displayed the destination or route number. With the advent of electric trams and buses, the rollsign was introduced. This innovation allowed for multiple destinations to be displayed on a single sign by rolling the sign to the desired destination. In the late 20th century, advances in technology led to the adoption of electronic destination signs, which offer greater flexibility and visibility.

Types of Destination Signs

Rollsigns

Rollsigns are made from a long, rolled scroll of destinations printed on fabric, Tyvek, or a similar material. The driver changes the display by rolling the scroll to the appropriate destination manually or with a motor. Despite their decline due to the rise of electronic signs, rollsigns are still in use in some older vehicles or in heritage transport services due to their historical value.

Electronic Destination Signs

Electronic destination signs utilize LED or LCD technology to display the destination and route information. These signs can show text and numbers in various colors and fonts, making them more visible and versatile than rollsigns. Electronic signs can be programmed to display messages in multiple languages, provide real-time information, and even show advertisements or public service announcements.

Advantages of Electronic Destination Signs

• Visibility: LED signs provide better visibility at night or in poor weather conditions.
• Flexibility: Information can be updated or changed remotely, allowing for real-time updates and corrections.
• Multilingual Support: Can display information in multiple languages, catering to a diverse passenger base.
• Reduced Maintenance: Unlike rollsigns, electronic signs require less physical maintenance.

Challenges and Considerations

While electronic destination signs offer many advantages, there are also challenges to consider. These include the initial cost of installation, the need for ongoing software updates, and potential technical issues that can arise. Additionally, ensuring accessibility for all passengers, including those with visual impairments, is a critical consideration. Tactile and audio announcements are often used in conjunction with visual signs to address this need.

Future Trends

The future of destination signs may include further integration with digital technology, such as GPS to provide location-based information, and connectivity with mobile applications to offer passengers real-time updates on their smartphones. Augmented reality (AR) could also play a role in enhancing the passenger experience by overlaying route information directly onto the passenger's field of view.