BROOKLYN (WPIX)—
Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, which is a major subway and Long Island Rail Road hub, was the showcase for new, high-tech signs today. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority temporarily installed help centers and giant television screens which broadcast up-to-the-minute schedule changes. PIX 11 News reporter's Greg Mocker toured the station with Transit Officials and other reporters.Transit officials say they are testing the screens and wireless system. Two help centers will be in place to gauge customer response. Arrivial information is now available in dozens of stations from signs hanging from the ceiling. These are more permament than the other pilot projects. Officials admiitted to Mocker some of the equipment seen today would be moved within a few days. Funding has not been secured for the project, they say, and contracts have not been awarded.
This is meant to be an evaluation period.
Mocker asked if the timing of this tour was meant to counter the vote on fare hikes, which is taking place on Thursday.
"We've been working on this for a long time. It's pure coincidence," says Craig Stewart, a Senior Corporate Management Officer with MTA.
Yesterday, MTA announced cell phone and wireless service would be in all stations by 2016.
Watch MTA Video on YouTube here.
Read MTA Press Release on signs here.
