San Sebastian with solar-powered info panels at bus stops

The replication potential of the new technology is currently being assessed

San Sebastian has been provided with two brand-new solar-powered information panels at bus stops. They will be using new technology and will be giving access to important travel information such as arrival times. Unlike the existing travel info panels across the Spanish city, these will work on alternative energy, namely collected by solar panels installed at the top of the stops Ategorrieta 65 (lines 14 and 33) and Mikeletegi 12 (lines 17, 28, 31 and 35). The installation of the first two panels of the new model is a test during which its replication potential will be assessed.

Thus, it works the following way: the consumption of a LED panel is 62 watts. The solar panels collect the energy and store it in a battery, which allows the power supply to the panel during the necessary 18 hours per day. The battery is designed to have energy stored in a way that allows the operation of the panel even in the event that there are several cloudy days in a row. Dbus has developed the panels together with two companies, Gekoin Ingenieros and Argisun.

Dbus has 114 electronic panels at bus stops since the first ones were installed in 2005. They are located mainly in stops that have a roof. In fact, more than a third of the stops have an information panel to inform about arrival times and of other incidents. Likewise, Dbus hopes to continue installing more units in order to improve the information service and provide the passengers with a better experience. In addition, Dbus has a free mobile application for iOS, Android and Windows Phone that allows you to check arrival times quickly and easily from anywhere at any time. Additionally, arrival times are also available on the website.

The new panels have been placed as part of the European project E-MOBASK that aims to promote more attractive and sustainable transport in the Basque city. 64% of the financing is done by the European Regional Development Fund, under the Interreg V-A Spain-France-Andorra programme, that has the objective to enhance the economic and social integration of the border zone.