I was excited to see that our Boston transit system, the MBTA, had installed these LED signs on the line I take to and from work. I eagerly anticipated messages saying, "Next train in 8 minutes" or "Green Line delay because of track repair."
But, no. The sign remained dark for the half-hour I waited for a train tonight.
Well, not totally dark. There was the message, simulcast on the public address system and the LED sign, warning us that fare evasion was a crime and that we could be punished mightily for it.
But not a word about the actual train service.
I have to give the MBTA something for truth in advertising.
It describes this capital improvement project (or one like it) as follows:
This project will install new LED information signs on the platforms and lobbies of busy subway stations. These signs will provide visual equivalent of audio information on train arrival times and destination information. In that sense, the signs
are the visual equivalent of the public address system on this line, which for years has also failed to give audio information about delays or train arrivals.
But, no. The sign remained dark for the half-hour I waited for a train tonight.
Well, not totally dark. There was the message, simulcast on the public address system and the LED sign, warning us that fare evasion was a crime and that we could be punished mightily for it.
But not a word about the actual train service.
I have to give the MBTA something for truth in advertising. It describes this capital improvement project (or one like it) as follows: This project will install new LED information signs on the platforms and lobbies of busy subway stations. These signs will provide visual equivalent of audio information on train arrival times and destination information.
In that sense, the signs are the visual equivalent of the public address system on this line, which for years has also failed to give audio information about delays or train arrivals.