NY1
08/28/2008 05:44 PM
New Video Screens To Alert Subway Riders
Transit officials are testing a new program to alert subway riders with digital announcement boards in the event of delays.
Straphangers at six stations on the 7 and L lines will see video screens inside token booths as part of a pilot program.
For now, they are only broadcasting public service announcements, but officials say they will provide up-to-the-minute information on service disruptions.
The Station Agent Information Display program, or SAID, cost the MTA $30,000 so far.
Officials at the rail control center will be able to send messages to individual stations, or groups of stations using wireless technology.
"This SAID program is a way to provide better-quality, more timely information to our customers,” said 7 Line Deputy General Manager John Hoban. “It helps our agents to be more involved in the dissemination of information in the stations. And it takes the place of an old tried-and-true technology, which is that grease board behind the agent."
White boards will remain in the booths for now as a backup.
If the program is deemed a success, it could be expanded elsewhere in the transit system.