Vancouver, BC, Canada – (October 21, 2004) – Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX VE: CMH; Berlin and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges: QCX), is pleased to announce the release of i-STOPTM, North America’s first solar-powered, LED-illuminated transit stop for the mass transit industry.
Information, illumination, and intelligence. The i-STOPTM incorporates (1) a patented TranSignalTM flashing beacon to notify an oncoming bus that a stop is requested, (2) a security down-light so waiting bus passengers don’t have to stand in darkness, and (3) an on-demand illuminated schedule allowing timetable readability from dusk till dawn. i-STOPTM is completely modular, enabling transit authorities to select the features that meet their current requirements / budget, with the ability to upgrade at any point in the future.
With no digging, wiring, or electrical connections required, the i-STOPTM installs on all conventional transit stop signposts in minutes. It is maintenance-free for up to five years with zero operating costs and uses a “renewable energy” solar-powered battery system that will charge even on overcast or foggy days. The i-STOPTM uses high-intensity LEDs (light emitting diodes) for all of its lighting features, ensuring long life and no servicing. The i-STOPTM is a rugged, vandal-resistant, self-contained unit built to ISO 9001 standards.
“The number one initiative for most transit agencies in North America is to increase ridership. The i-STOPTM supports their efforts by providing riders with an improved transit experience”, states Carmanah’s CEO, Mr. Art Aylesworth. “The i-STOPTM provides a hi-tech, no-maintenance customer enhancement solution that is cost-effective and low risk – because it uses our proven solar-powered LED technology.”
Carmanah unveiled the i-STOPTM on Tuesday during a presentation at the Victoria office of BC Transit, the 13th largest transit authority in North America. David McLean, Chair of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission, stated “We are excited about the customer service benefits that Carmanah’s i-STOPTM offers to our organization. We are even more pleased to see a Victoria-based company leading the way with this technology. BC Transit is looking forward to the installation of our first 10 i-STOPTM systems next month, as we continue to look for new ways to enhance our customer service.”
“The potential for the i-STOPTM is significant”, states Mr. Aylesworth. “As an example, there are approximately one million transit stops in North America alone and an equal number in western Europe.” The retail price of each i-STOPTM system is between US$700 and US$1100, depending on configuration.
Carmanah Technologies Inc. will be unveiling the i-STOPTM internationally at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Exposition, September 23-25, 2002 in Las Vegas, Nevada. For further information about the i-STOPTM, visit www.carmanah.com/transit.asp.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Praveen Varshney, Director
For further information, please contact.
Media Contact:
Mr. David Davies
Harbourwerks Communications
Telephone: (250) 382-4332
E-mail: ddavies@harbourwerks.com
Corporate Contact:
Mr. Praveen Varshney, Director
Telephone: (604) 629-0264
Toll-Free: 1-866-629-0264
Fax: (604) 682-4768
E-mail: investors@carmanah.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Vanguard Shareholder Solutions
Telephone: (604) 608-0824
Toll-Free: 1-800-567-6223
Fax: (604) 601-2004
E-mail: ir@vanguardsolutions.ca