Metlink Digital Screens: Screen Design and Management
End-to-End Management of Metlink’s Real-Time Digital Screens
Metlink(external link) needed a reliable way to deliver accurate, up-to-date bus and train information at busy stops around the Wellington region. Drawing on real-time data, Somar Digital’s digital screen solution displays arrival times, delay and disruption information, marketing campaigns, and maps of incoming buses.
We handle the full end-to-end management of these digital screen devices, including installing remote device management software to allow for remote diagnostics and software updates. This allows Metlink staff to view exactly what any screen is displaying, and to update screen content remotely and in real time, so commuters always have the latest information to help plan their journey.
Digital Screen Builder
Metlink staff use our digital screen builder to update information at each location with ease. It gives them control over what appears on the screens, including grouping stops, changing layouts and toggling maps on or off, among a wide range of other configuration settings.
The system supports multiple layouts, covering individual stops or groups of stops, so commuters see the information most relevant to their journey.
Brand Alignment
The displays are designed to align with Metlink's brand identity and its other digital platforms so that commuters recognise the Metlink brand immediately, building trust in the information shown.
Design elements of the digital screens include fonts, colours, and icons that match the Metlink website and app, creating a consistent experience across channels.
Integration with Live Data
The digital screens are integrated with Metlink's service alerts and GTFS-RT (live vehicle tracking) feed to provide accurate vehicle positions and stop predictions in real time. This keeps service alerts and vehicle information current, helping commuters plan their trips with confidence.
Preview and Live View Functionality
Metlink is able to preview any changes made to layouts, maps, and stop groupings before publishing. This gives staff confidence that any updates to the screens are presented accurately to commuters.
Staff can also see exactly what any screen is displaying, remotely and in real time. A Wall Board allows administrators to view the live status for multiple screens at once.
Fully Remote Device Management
The digital screens are managed as a cloud-based service, so Metlink staff can roll out updates with ease and scale the system as requirements change.
Software updates are sent to the screens remotely over the mobile network, with no site visit needed. Each update includes only the parts of the software that have changed (known as a delta package), which keeps mobile data use low.
Remote Monitoring & Historical Diagnostics
Continuous health checks send automatic notifications when a device goes offline or reports a fault, so issues can often be resolved before passengers notice them. Connectivity, power, temperature and error logs are kept for each device. This supports root-cause analysis of intermittent faults and informs decisions about repair or replacement.
Multi-use Campaign Displays
The screens can also function as promotional displays. Metlink can use the screens to promote marketing campaigns keeping branding consistent and visually appealing. This includes scheduling campaigns, advertising and disruption messages across all digital screens. Staff can target content by stop, route or region, and set automatic start and expiry dates. Reporting shows what was displayed, where and when.
Outcomes
Proactive Fault Detection
Faults are identified early, which helps keep screens reliable and the information on them dependable for commuters. Metlink can plan maintenance with confidence, deciding when to repair or replace a device based on a clear record of how it has performed.
Accurate and Reliable Information
Commuters receive current service alerts and up-to-date vehicle information. Display layouts are built to specific rules and thoroughly tested, so staff can update them with confidence that each change will meet the same standard and present information clearly.
Easy to Use for Metlink Staff
As a cloud-based service, the digital layouts can be updated by staff without technical expertise. The interface allows quick, straightforward updates across all displays, keeping information accurate and current.
Maintaining a Consistent Customer Experience
The displays are designed to align with Metlink's brand identity and fit seamlessly within the broader Metlink ecosystem. This consistency simplifies information interpretation, making it easier for commuters to navigate and plan their journeys.
Designed with Accessibility in Mind
The displays follow best-practice visual accessibility standards, so information stays clear and legible for all users. Somar Digital focuses on accessible visuals that meet a range of needs, so vital information reaches everyone.