CASE STUDY
Long Beach Transit
Case Study
Long Beach Transit (LBT) is a public transportation agency serving Long Beach, California, and its surrounding communities. Operating since 1963, LBT is committed to providing safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions. As part of their dedication to enhancing public transit, LBT has incorporated advanced technologies, including solar-powered bus stop lighting and real-time e-paper displays, to improve the rider experience and ensure the safety and reliability of their services. This case study highlights how LBT partnered with Outdoorlink, along with Urban Solar and Papercast, to optimize solar power management at bus stops, overcoming the unique challenges posed by Long Beach’s urban environment.
Achieves 70% Reduction in Site Visits, 90% Optimized Performance, and 80% Increased Device Uptime
The Challenge
In 2020, Long Beach Transit upgraded their bus stops with solar-powered lighting and real-time e-paper displays to enhance rider safety and provide up-to-date bus information. These improvements aimed to create a safer and more convenient experience for passengers.
However, the challenge was managing solar power effectively between the lights and displays, especially in areas with varying levels of sunlight. By optimizing solar energy use, Long Beach Transit ensured that both the lighting and displays operated reliably, making bus stops safer and more user-friendly for everyone.
The Solution
To address these challenges, Long Beach Transit implemented the Outdoorlink Smart Controller, which provided a comprehensive solution for managing solar power across bus stops. The Smart Controller enabled real-time monitoring and remote adjustments through its online portal, giving LBT, Urban Solar, and Papercast precise control over the bus stop amenities.
The Results
The implementation of the Outdoorlink Smart Controller led to substantial improvements in the operation and maintenance of Long Beach Transit’s solar-powered bus stop amenities:
70% Reduction in Site Visits
The ability to monitor and adjust the system remotely drastically reduced the need for physical inspections, saving time and resources.
90% Optimized Performance
The system’s efficiency in managing solar power and responding to real-time conditions resulted in highly optimized operations.
80% Increased Device Uptime
With remote troubleshooting and proactive management, the uptime of the e-paper displays and lighting systems substantially increased, ensuring consistent service for transit riders.
Complete Control for Your Outdoor Lighting Systems
With Outdoorlink’s remote lighting control systems, you can effortlessly set and modify lighting schedules. Our solutions offer unmatched flexibility and convenience, whether managing streetlights, building lights, parking lot lights, or signage.
Dimming Lights During Low Battery Voltage
The Outdoorlink Smart Controller system automatically dims LED lighting when battery levels drop, conserving power to ensure critical functions, such as the real-time e-paper displays, remain operational.
Adjustable Run-Time Schedules
The Smart Controller allows for dynamic lighting and display schedule adjustments, optimizing power usage based on real-time data.
Remote Rebooting of E-Paper Displays
If a display goes offline, it can be rebooted remotely, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous service.
Priority Settings for Critical Components
Urban Solar utilized priority settings within the Smart Controller to keep real-time signs running during periods of low voltage, temporarily turning off LED lighting until battery levels recover.
Key Benefits
The successful integration of the Outdoorlink Smart Controller with Urban Solar’s lighting and Papercast’s e-paper displays demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovation in enhancing public transit systems. By addressing the unique challenges posed by urban shading and the need for remote adjustments, this project has set a new standard for solar-powered transit solutions. The outcomes improve the rider experience and pave the way for future advancements in sustainable transit infrastructure.
Remote Monitoring and Confirmation
LBT and Urban Solar can verify the operational status of solar lighting through the Smart Controller portal, ensuring that bus stops are well-lit and safe for passengers.
Instant Outage Notifications and Rebooting
he system provides instant alerts when any issues arise, allowing for quick remote resolution and minimizing service disruptions.
Multiple Supplier Accountability
By separating the control of lights and displays, the Smart Controller facilitates efficient troubleshooting and ensures that the appropriate supplier addresses any issues, streamlining maintenance efforts.