Carmanah Technologies Corporation is now marketing a new solar-powered, illuminated transit stop that incorporates maintenance-free timetable illumination and a bus signaling beacon. All components of the information and signaling system (ISS) are self-contained in the octagonal support pole.
With the push of a button, waiting passengers can activate the flashing bus signaling beacon to notify an approaching bus that a stop is requested. The beacon has a nighttime visibility range of approximately one mile, and a daytime visibility of approximately one-quarter of a mile; its light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have a lifetime of up to 100,000 hours. This technology addresses the problem of nighttime “pass-bys,” where drivers miss picking up passengers because they can’t see them. It also improves traffic safety, as bus drivers have sufficient advance notice of a waiting passenger to allow them to stop safely.
The solar transit stop also uses high-intensity LEDs to internally illuminate bus schedule information. The timetable is a vandal-resistant, self-contained unit built to ISO 9001 standards. Additional features being developed include security down-lighting and communications capability.
Installation of the ISS requires no digging, wiring, or electrical connections and can be installed on any bus stop signpost in minutes. The system runs for 3-5 years maintenance-free with zero operating costs, receiving power from the sun even on cloudy days.
Prototypes of the ISS will be tested in the U.S. and Europe by July. Carmanah plans to open new sales offices to deal with the large demand in these regions. Pre-orders for trial quantities have already been received from transit agencies in Texas and Oregon. There are approximately one million bus stops in North America alone. The 2,262 bus transit agencies in the U.S. spend one billion dollars annually on bus facilities. About 40 of these agencies to date — including Los Angelos, New Jersey, Boston and Portland — have expressed interest in Carmanah’s new solar transit stop.
For technical questions and sales, contact Michael Marek, Carmanah Technologies, tel. (877)722-8877 (toll-free from the U.S. or Canada) or (250) 380-0052/0062, e-mail mmarek@carmanah.com. Information is also available at the company’s websites at www.carmanah.com or www.transitlights.com.