Skip to main content

Transportation Digital Signage

Keep Travelers Moving

Transportation digital signage provides critical real-time information to millions of travelers daily. From flight information display systems (FIDS) to bus arrival times, digital displays are essential infrastructure for airports, rail stations, transit systems, and travel hubs worldwide.

Transportation Applications

Airport Signage

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ AIRPORT DIGITAL SIGNAGE │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ ARRIVALS / DEPARTURES HALL │ │
│ │ • FIDS (Flight Information Display Systems) │ │
│ │ • Check-in counter assignments │ │
│ │ • Airline wayfinding │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ SECURITY / CUSTOMS │ │ GATES / CONCOURSE │ │
│ │ • Wait times │ │ • Gate assignments │ │
│ │ • Lane status │ │ • Boarding status │ │
│ │ • Instructions │ │ • Advertising │ │
│ └────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ BAGGAGE CLAIM │ │ GROUND TRANSPORT │ │
│ │ • Carousel assign │ │ • Taxi queue │ │
│ │ • Flight status │ │ • Rideshare pickup │ │
│ │ • Wait time │ │ • Shuttle schedules │ │
│ └────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Flight Information Display (FIDS)

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ DEPARTURES 14:32 EST │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ FLIGHT DESTINATION TIME GATE STATUS │
│ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── │
│ AA 123 New York (JFK) 14:45 B12 BOARDING │
│ DL 456 Los Angeles 14:55 C22 ON TIME │
│ UA 789 Chicago (ORD) 15:10 A08 ON TIME │
│ SW 234 Dallas (DFW) 15:15 D14 DELAYED 15:45 │
│ AA 567 Miami 15:30 B18 ON TIME │
│ DL 890 Atlanta 15:35 C24 ON TIME │
│ UA 345 San Francisco 15:50 A12 ON TIME │
│ SW 678 Denver 16:00 D08 ON TIME │
│ AA 901 Boston 16:15 B22 GATE CHANGE: B24 │
│ DL 234 Seattle 16:30 C16 ON TIME │
│ │
│ Page 1 of 3 ▼ More Flights │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Rail and Metro

LocationContent
Station entranceSystem map, alerts, tickets
PlatformNext train, destination, time
Train interiorNext stop, connections, doors
ConcourseFull schedule, wayfinding

Bus Transit

LocationContent
Stops/sheltersNext arrival, route info
TerminalsDepartures, bay assignments
On-boardNext stop, connections
Transfer pointsMulti-route information

Real-Time Information Systems

Data Sources

SourceInformation
Flight ops systemsSchedules, status, gates
ATC integrationDelay predictions
Transit CAD/AVLVehicle location tracking
GTFS feedsSchedule data (transit)
Weather systemsDelays, advisories

Update Frequency

Display TypeUpdate Rate
Flight statusReal-time (seconds)
Gate assignmentsReal-time
Train/bus arrivals15-60 seconds
Security wait times1-5 minutes
General informationAs needed

Passenger Communication

Essential Information

InformationPriority
Departure/arrival timesCritical
Gate/platform/stopCritical
Status updatesCritical
WayfindingHigh
Delays/disruptionsCritical
Safety/securityCritical

Emergency Communications

ScenarioDisplay Response
Security threatEvacuation instructions
Weather emergencyShelter, delays
Medical emergencyDirect to assistance
System failureAlternative options

Advertising in Transportation

High-Value Placements

LocationAudienceFormat
ArrivalsArriving passengers, meetersWelcome, local services
GatesCaptive, waitingVarious dwell times
Baggage claimWaiting, local focusGround transport, hotels
ConcourseTransit, shoppingRetail, dining
Security queueCaptive, anxiousCalming, services

Advertising + Information Balance

Best PracticeReason
Separate screensDedicated info vs. ads
Priority overrideInfo always overrides ads
Dwell-appropriateShort messages in transit areas
ContextualRelevant to traveler needs

Technical Requirements

Mission-Critical Reliability

RequirementSpecification
Uptime99.9%+ availability
RedundancyFailover systems
Monitoring24/7 NOC
UpdatesHot-swappable
BackupUPS for critical displays

Environmental Considerations

EnvironmentRequirements
Indoor terminalsCommercial displays
Outdoor platforms-40°F to 120°F, weatherproof
UndergroundVibration, humidity
On-vehicleShock, vibration, temp

Accessibility Requirements

ADA/AODA Compliance

RequirementImplementation
VisualHigh contrast, large text
AuditoryAudio announcements, induction loops
CognitiveClear, simple information
PhysicalInteractive at accessible height
MultilingualMajor languages + translation

Frequently Asked Questions


Next Steps


Transportation signage solutions from MediaSignage, moving passengers worldwide since 2008.