CTA unveils real-time service bar on digital ad screens

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has unveiled plans for a real-time service feature on digital advertising screens throughout its rail system.

A passenger information bar will appear across the bottom of digital screens installed at rail stations and remain onscreen even as ads play. The bar will provide arrival times for upcoming trains, as well as real-time information on service delays and disruptions, CTA officials said in a press release.

Advertising contractor Intersection plans to upgrade its transit display and advertising screens at transit agencies across the country, including ones in Philadelphia and New Jersey, according to a curbed.com report.

For the CTA, Intersection will redesign all digital screens to accommodate the new information. The new screen layouts will first appear on the 195 screens outside of station entrances, which will enable customers to get service information before entering.

The new screen layout will roll out to screens on rail station platforms later this year.

"We are pleased that we're able to leverage our expansive collection of digital displays — which have improved commuting significantly — to increase the amount of helpful information we’re providing to CTA riders," said CTA President Dorval Carter Jr.