Who are the Millennials?

The largest and the most diverse generation in American history, the Millennial Generation are those born between 1982 and 2003.

How are Millennials influencing the transit world?

  • According to US PIRG’s report, “A New Direction: Our Changing Relationship with Driving and the Implications for America’s Future.”
  • This generation finds public transportation the best for digital socializing
  • They work as they travel, a trend noted by 40% of those polled.
  • Reasons and motivations for transportation choices are pragmatic, with 46% stating that a need to save money drives their decisions; 46% also note convenience, 44% want to exercise, and 35% say they live in a community where it just makes more sense to use transit. With the car ownership rate for people between the ages of 18 – 34 down over 30% compared to generations past Millennials tend to use the most convenient mode of transportation available to them at any given time.

In short they want a free and convenient lifestyle, and technology to help them become more efficient.

How should Transit related businesses react to Millennials?

Advancements in technology and multiple choices of transportation methods are catering to this vast and flexible demographic. Businesses that understand the importance of convenience and build upon their technology base while also realizing that Millennials are a lifestyle (not a demographic) and are the ones with a healthy future. Moving forward, that needs to be catered to for success.

Current Moves in the Transit destination Sign business

Connected devices

The bus stop sign is a LED display installed at bus stops that provide arrival times of approaching buses to waiting passengers. Details may include line number, destination, and arrival time. Some bus stop display models are also able to display additional messages and full matrix graphics. An optional button-activated audio voice announcement system is also available. The bus stop displays can also be integrated with a fleet management system and updated in real time. Connection options include both wired and wireless communication.

Integrated Passenger Information Systems

This system is designed to provide passengers with information on weather and route change etc. They allow passengers to monitor and plan schedules and to communicate and report issues to management.
LED Bus Signs (interior and exterior)

Interior facing LED signs communicate to existing passengers hazard alerts and inclement weather warnings. Also safety practices and regulations with driver interaction or distraction. Exterior facing bus signs communicate with waiting passengers and potential clients, also with other drivers, pedestrians, and potentially law enforcement agencies. An emergency button/panic switch “silent alarm” activates the exterior signs to read EMERGENCY CALL 911 and can alert dispatch operations and emergency services.

Integrated Safety Systems

Integrated safety systems provide a comprehensive capture of safety events on transit vehicles giving agencies faster insights into risk and better tools to protect passengers and the public.

Smartphone Devices

Intelligent Transportation Systems with GPS that track and monitor buses display real-time vehicle location and allow passengers to plan their trips and wait times accordingly. Real-time information such as this satisfies Millennial’s technology demands. Not only do public transport companies need to meet this consumer demand, but are also competing with UBER’s availability and smartphone application, so signage companies need to keep up with this dynamism.
WiFi and GPS systems

Millennials are driving the transit signage industry with key behavioral showings like Wi-Fi requirement for their laptops and mobile phones as they work during their commute. There is also an increase in ridership and pedestrian traffic amongst their generation calling for energetic and purposeful transit signage.

Contact Transign for your destination sign

For more than 55 years Transign has provided the transit industry with high quality, durable destination signs backed by superior customer service. Founded by James Youngblood in 1959 with a commitment to “Quality Products supported by Quality Customer Service.” Transign rapidly became the established market leader in a variety of innovative products for the transit industry.

Areas of Expertise

  • Interior and exterior LED destination and passenger information signs.
  • Automated voice announcements.
  • Geo-location tracking and message delivery.
  • Smart device passenger information applications.
  • Passenger counting solutions.
  • Dynamic reporting tools