SDOT in partnership with King County Metro is installing 11 new Real Time Information Signs (RTIS) at bus stops along the NW Market Street/45th Street corridor through Ballard, Wallingford and the University District. These pole-mounted LED signs will let bus commuters know if their bus is on time or running late. These new tracking tools will add to SDOT’s similar signs that were installed on the Jackson/Rainier corridor back in 2013.
SDOT’s RTIS signs use up-to-the-minute data to deliver predicted bus arrival/departure times for routes using the stop where the sign is located. Knowing when your next bus is scheduled to arrive may seem like a simple piece of information, but these signs provide a number of other benefits to passengers, such as an increased sense of security that comes with knowing how long you’ll have to wait and whether you have time to run a quick errand or grab a snack. Additionally, real time transit signs have proven to be a cost-effective strategy for increasing transit ridership and transit users’ satisfaction with service, which reflects SDOT’s long-running efforts to improve transit reliability and rider experience.
Design concept of RTIS
RTIS installation will require rebuilding the bus stops where the new signs will be located. Construction activities such as: saw cutting, sidewalk removal, underground electrical work, sidewalk replacement and RTIS installations are expected to begin this week and will continue for about three months, through early to mid-summer. As part of this work, crews will also complete a number of other pedestrian improvements, including new curb ramps and accessible pedestrian push buttons.
SDOT appreciates your patience during RTIS installation and hopes to minimize inconvenience; neighbors and travelers should expect:
- Audible work activities including construction equipment noise and concrete replacement
- Intermittent lane closures
- Temporary sidewalk closures and detours
- Temporary bus stop closures
- Flaggers and uniformed police officers assisting with traffic control
- Access to businesses and residences maintained
If you have questions about installation of the RTIS along the Market/45th corridor, please contact Paul Elliott at paul.elliott@seattle.gov or 206-684-5321.
For more information on SDOT’s RTIS program: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/transit_rtis.htm
Contact Jeff Bender at 206-684-8837 or jeff.bender@seattle.gov.