The Development and Design of the "Visual Street Indicator": an Improved Means for Conveying Route Information to Passengers on Public Transportation

Author: Wolf, Leo

Year: 1949

Degree: Engineer's thesis

Advisor: Unknown, Unknown

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Engineering

DOI: 10.7907/ha35-j554

Abstract

In recent years the growth of cities and the correlated expansion of transportation facilities has posed many transit problems. A study of the situation indicated that one of the difficulties was the need for an improved method for conveying route information to passengers.

The familiarity necessary for the establishment of the basic requirements of this problem was obtained through interviews, questionnaires and observation of bus operation. The exigency was one of reducing the operator's responsibilities and work load, when at the same time passengers were requiring additional services. This thesis relates to the development of a unit which will enable the operator to present visually the name of the next stop his vehicle will make.

The "Visual Street Indicator" will be attached to the ceiling at the front of the vehicle. It contains a semi- automatically controlled motor driven roll on which is printed the names of the vehicle's stops. The design is a result of compromised consideration for practical features and economic manufacture and the solution offers a convenient method for answering many of the passenger's questions and is acceptable as an aid by the vehicle operators.

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