Operational Programme: Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus (GINOP Plusz)

Call Identifier: GINOP_PLUSZ-2.1.1-21

Call Title: Promoting Corporate Research, Development, and Innovation Activities

Project Identification Number: GINOP_PLUSZ-2.1.1-21-2022-00149

Project Title: Development of a Solar-Powered, E-Paper Passenger Information System

Project Implementation Period Start Date: 2022.06.01

Project Actual Physical Completion Date: 2024.02.29

Implementation Location: 7630 Pécs, Hegedűs János u. 10

Contracted Funding Amount: HUF 199,942,519

European Union Funding Amount: HUF 175,949,414

Funding Rate: 68.3%

The GINOP_PLUSZ-2.1.1-21-2022-00149 project is co-financed by the European Union.

Beneficiary Name: HC LINEAR Technical Development Limited Liability Company

Project Objective

Community transport service providers (local and intercity bus, rail, and water transport) are legally obligated to provide passenger information at stops. At a minimum, static timetable data must be displayed at stops.

The project aims to develop a solar-powered, e-paper (electronic paper)-based passenger information display family and its related embedded and central software system. The system will operate with minimal power consumption, offering a wirelessly updateable interface for both static and dynamic passenger information. It will replace printed timetables and other paper-based information displays, reducing maintenance needs.

With the adoption of this device, passenger information becomes more dynamic and faster for the community, enabling immediate visibility of service interruptions and schedule changes. The time required for real-time passenger information management will be minimized for transport service providers. Beyond passenger information, the system will also be suitable for displaying announcements and local informational materials in cities, towns, and small villages.

The project’s goal is to develop a marketable product with extremely low energy consumption, a highly refined mechanical design, scalable configuration, and provisions for adequate lighting and temperature control.

The 24-month project implementation period consists of two phases: a 12-month industrial research phase and a 12-month experimental development phase.

HC LINEAR Technical Development Ltd. is a wholly Hungarian-owned company and the leading domestic transportation informatics development enterprise, with nearly 20 years of experience in developing and implementing transport informatics systems. The company has developed on-board passenger information, data collection, ticket and pass sales systems currently operating on nearly 6,000 buses, trams, and trolleybuses. LED and LCD displays developed by the company have been in operation at numerous stations, stops, and vehicle boards for years. Our systems provide traffic management and passenger information across 18 counties and 14 cities.

The e-paper-based stop display product family under development will feature standardized interfaces, ensuring compatibility with both the company’s systems and other domestic and international transportation informatics systems.