SmartPage at the KTE Conference
SmartPage at the KTE Transport Development and Investment Conference
The 26th Transport Development and Investment Conference is one of Hungary’s leading multi-day professional forums, focusing on current challenges in transport development, investment priorities, and technological innovation.
Held between March 24–26, 2026 in Bükfürdő, the event also featured a presentation by our Lead Project Engineer. Under the title “Real-time passenger information with the SmartPage e-paper display system”, the session introduced both the concept behind the solution and key insights from its practical implementation.
Following the event, a detailed professional article will also be published in the online journal of the Hungarian Scientific Association for Transport. Below is a summary of how the SmartPage system works and the benefits it delivers.
Real-time passenger information with the SmartPage e-paper display system
In public transport, access to accurate and reliable information is one of the most important factors shaping the passenger experience. Timely updates on schedules, delays, and unexpected changes have a direct impact on how services are perceived.
Developed by HC Linear, the SmartPage e-paper-based passenger information system offers a sustainable and cost-efficient solution to this challenge.
The system is designed to provide real-time, dynamically updated information for passengers waiting at stops, while minimising energy consumption and infrastructure requirements. Built on e-paper technology, SmartPage displays are particularly well suited to locations where installing LED or TFT displays would be too costly or technically complex.
One of the key advantages of e-paper technology is that it only consumes power when content is updated, making it extremely energy efficient. As a result, SmartPage devices can operate without a fixed power connection, using batteries or even solar energy.
Thanks to their paper-like appearance, the displays remain highly readable even in strong sunlight, providing consistently high contrast. Designed for outdoor use, the devices withstand harsh weather conditions and can be easily installed on poles or walls.
Through a remote management platform, all displays can be monitored and controlled in real time. Operators can manage content, check device status, and access diagnostic data from a single interface. In addition to timetable information, the system supports a wide range of content, including local news, community updates, and municipal messages, which can be scheduled across multiple pages.
User interaction is reflected in navigation activity, with deployed devices recording an average of 3,000 button presses per month per unit.
QR codes can also be displayed, allowing passengers to instantly access additional digital content or participate in surveys.
Feedback collected by HC Linear shows that the vast majority of users describe their first interaction with the display as positive. Many highlight the convenience of instantly seeing when the next vehicle will arrive, without needing to check mobile apps or printed timetables.
A significant share of respondents would welcome the wider deployment of such displays, particularly at busy hubs and at stops where no digital passenger information is currently available.
Energy-efficient digital infrastructure is playing an increasingly important role in the development of public transport, supporting both passenger convenience and cost-efficient operation. SmartPage e-paper displays offer a simple digital alternative to paper-based timetables and a foundation for a modern, future-ready passenger information system.
HC Linear, the Hungarian company behind the system, has more than 35 years of experience in the research, development, and manufacturing of electronic and software systems. Its R&D centre in Pécs is home to an in-house engineering team working on hardware, software, and system integration solutions.
HC Linear’s transport IT systems are deployed across multiple countries, cities, and regions, helping to simplify mobility for millions of passengers every day.
Myths about SmartPage e-paper
4 myths about SmartPage e-paper displays, clarified
Over the past months, we have received numerous positive responses to our SmartPage e-paper passenger information displays. At the same time, some myths and doubts have also appeared, often rooted in misunderstandings. We have collected the most common ones and provide brief explanations to clarify the facts.
“If the sun isn’t shining, it won’t work”
Although the displays can be powered by solar panels, they are not dependent on sunlight. The built-in battery has been designed to ensure reliable operation even during cloudy periods or in winter. Where required, the device can also be connected to the power grid, providing multiple energy options. Another key advantage of e-paper technology is its energy efficiency: the display only consumes power when refreshing content, which keeps operational energy demand to a minimum.
“It won’t last a week before someone damages it”
Durability is often a concern with public displays. SmartPage units are designed for outdoor use, featuring anti-glare safety glass and a robust housing that withstands both harsh weather and vandalism attempts.
Experience shows that passengers value the displays and use them as intended, supporting their long-term operation.
“Older people will not know how to use it”
Digital screens are often assumed to be too complex for seniors. In designing SmartPage, user-friendliness was a top priority. The display features large, easy-to-read characters that remain visible under all lighting conditions. Its classic, oversized navigation buttons are familiar and intuitive, even for those with little experience using digital devices.
In practice, older passengers adapt quickly and come to appreciate the accurate, real-time information provided. We often see passengers helping one another get familiar with the device, which further strengthens acceptance across all age groups.
“It’s unnecessary, everyone has a phone anyway”
Some argue that a good mobile app makes public displays unnecessary. In reality, the two serve different purposes and complement each other. Not every passenger has mobile internet, and many, especially seniors and tourists, prefer not to download apps. Phones can run out of battery, lose signal, or simply be less convenient than a display that provides information instantly.
In public transport, passenger experience is crucial. SmartPage delivers accessible, reliable information that builds trust and makes choosing public transport easier.
Would you like to know more?
Contact us to learn more about how our solutions can help make public transport in your city more reliable and passenger-friendly.