It’s anticipated that the Travel Stations will generate significant advertising income, which would help to defray the costs of installation. From a technical standpoint, Cisco’s Interactive Services Solution is a flexible and scalable platform enabling digital interactions through rich media, live video, real-time information, and user-friendly management tools while leveraging the power of network connectivity. The interactive digital media could improve a passenger’s experience.
The pilot is being funded by Cisco so the program isn’t costing the MTA any money during the test. It took a year and a half to develop “On the Go! Travel Station” as it took time to define the concepts with Cisco. The stainless steel enclosure and its components are durable, easy to keep clean and designed to withstand vandalism. Visually, the soft keys on the screen are large and easy to follow.
Tom Prendergast, president of N.Y.C. Transit opened the ceremony by stating that the high-definition screens will eventually give information for all the MTA agencies and will include advertising space while generating much-needed revenue. The new system could make paper maps obsolete, as the digital version would be able to accommodate timely updates paper can’t.
Carlos Dominguez of Cisco said, “It is a privilege and honor to participate in the unveiling of ‘On The Go’ collaborative effort. This is really the future. We’re thrilled and excited about this.”
In a prepared statement, Syed Hoda, general manager, Emerging Solutions Group Cisco said, “Cisco is pleased to collaborate with the MTA in bringing real-time information and interactive video content to transit passengers in New York City. Travelers can better plan their trips, gain more visibility into service changes and advisories, and obtain information on businesses and other locations in their local neighborhoods or as they explore the city. This pilot demonstration shows the potential for technology to connect, enhance and improve the quality of life for communities.”
Depending on customer acceptance and success of the pilots, “On the Go!” may eventually be installed in stations throughout the system.
