DART’s Smart Digital Kiosk

About the city. DART’s commitment to innovation is highlighted by its support for the economic growth of North Texas, Dallas, and as a smart city that makes technology accessible to everyone, regardless of community or economic status.

Goal

The aim of the project is to bring the digital divide by providing information and digital connectivity at mass transit stops.

Implementation period. The launching of kiosks started in February 2020.

Fact

DART carries more than 220,000 passengers per day across its 700-square-mile service area.

Solution

Kiosks are a rich computing environment that provides high-speed Internet access, connecting riders to more opportunities across the region. Kiosks also make it easier to use the technological capabilities available in the country’s public transit agency and are equipped with the highest standards of encryption and personal data protection.

DART’s new interactive kiosks allow residents and visitors to discover North Texas with:

• Real-time information to improve overall travel experience;
• Localized and customized offers from local merchants and partners;
• Engaging of the social elements;
• Free, fast and reliable Wi-Fi throughout the DART system;
• Interactive guides to find things to do, places to go and deals along the way;
• Access to social services;
• Translation into 9 different languages;
• Increased security through additional high-resolution cameras, increased lighting, and fast connection to DART police;

In addition to technological advancements, kiosks make it easier for riders to use the DART system, providing new opportunities to interact with community partners, local merchants, and local events.

Challenges

With COVID-19, one of the biggest public concerns is the transfer of the virus by touch. The company wanted to help solve that problem directly without any disruption of the valuable information that is being provided for the community. That is why all Dallas-area “Citypost” kiosks have been upgraded to address COVID-19 concerns in Texas, with touchless mobile activation of all broadcast content

The system upgrade makes the DART information contactless and viewable from mobile devices through embedded QR code activation.

Team

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Ericsson and Parsec Technologies, Inc., Landmark Infrastructure Partners LP (NASDAQ: LMRK).

The DART kiosks are operated under the CityPost brand by Smart City Media.

Timeline

By April 2020, the city of Dallas had 225 screens (kiosks) – DART coverage with additional street-facing panels.

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