E-paper technology

The future of public transportation is not only about eco-friendly vehicles — it’s also about how essential information reaches passengers. E-paper display technology is ushering in a new era in urban infrastructure by providing a fast, simple, and sustainable solution for passenger information. Discover how the technology works and what benefits it offers in our article!

The HC Linear SmartPage is an e-paper passenger information display — a low-power, real-time information device designed specifically for outdoor use.

The 13.3-inch electrophoretic (E-INK) displays feature a 1600×1200 pixel resolution, 16 levels of grayscale, and excellent readability even in daylight. At dusk, the built-in light sensor automatically activates the backlight, ensuring the content remains visible at all times. The displayed information stays stable without network power, making the display ideal for autonomous operation, including solar-powered setups.

The display is powered by a 20W solar panel mounted on a pole and a built-in 20Ah battery, which can be optionally expanded. Its energy consumption is minimal, allowing it to operate for up to two weeks without charging, resulting in significant savings in operation and maintenance. This ensures that information is reliably available, regardless of weather conditions or network power supply.

Our displays are compatible with the GTFS-RT standard, enabling real-time display of schedules, delays, early arrivals, and traffic information. The built-in LTE modem, along with optional WiFi, LoRaWAN, and Ethernet interfaces, allow for remote content updates and system monitoring. Accessibility features include physical buttons and 433.92 MHz remote control operation. Additionally, the integrated TTS (text-to-speech) function supports multiple languages and adjustable volume.

Our proprietary, online cloud-based management system, SmartPage, allows content editing anytime, anywhere—requiring only a web browser with internet access, delivered as a SaaS service. The system supports not only the display of transportation information but also the dynamic publishing of announcements, news, local information, and events. Creating online surveys is also simple. Updates are applied instantly, with the option to schedule content in advance. Transparency and ease of use were primary design goals for the system.

Powder-coated steel housing (available in RAL color options), 4 mm thick IK09-rated anti-glare tempered glass, and IP65 protection ensure the durability of the display. It operates reliably in temperatures ranging from -15 °C to +65 °C — whether installed on a platform, bus stop, or information hub. This device is not just hardware, but a reliable, long-lasting element of the digital infrastructure for the cities of the future.

HC Linear’s SmartPage displays, built on e-paper technology, offer a solution that addresses sustainability, economic, and IT challenges simultaneously. By replacing paper-based schedules and notices, maintenance costs are reduced—there’s no need for printing, swapping, or on-site updates anymore. This saves significant resources and fuel while avoiding unnecessary CO² emissions. For passengers, one of the biggest benefits is that information is always accessible, real-time, accurate, and easy to read.

Have any questions? Feel free to contact our expert colleagues at !

HC Linear’s SmartPage system embodies Hungarian engineering excellence, delivering European-quality solutions designed to meet the long-term needs of cities. Our goal is to contribute to a more transparent, sustainable, and livable transportation system.

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