Street sign artists in Philadelphia improve bus location information for commuters.
In a city where many rely on public transit, a difficult truth often emerges: unpredictability in bus arrival times. This realization struck two Philadelphia street artists earlier this year while they awaited a bus, prompting them to ponder a solution to a recurrent problem. Their initiative culminated earlier this month with the launch of a solar-powered e-reader, integrated into a street sign near the northeast corner of Broad Street and Washington Avenue in South Philadelphia, which is along bus Route 64.
This innovative sign provides real-time bus arrival information sourced from publicly accessible data, the same data utilized by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The project was spearheaded by an anonymous artist known as Make It Weird, who expressed concerns regarding traditional public engagement avenues working within a challenging legal framework. The device, featuring a playful design adorned with a lanky bird and delicate flowers, effectively combines art with technology, addressing transit-related frustrations in a community where swift bus information is crucial.
The creators behind this initiative, emphasizing that their work is aimed at improving public access to transit information, acknowledged the limitations imposed by SEPTA’s current infrastructure, which has been plagued by budget constraints and ongoing financial turmoil. Their creation is particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have easy access to smartphones or data plans, thereby promoting a broader accessibility to transit information.
In recent weeks, this prototype garnered significant attention on social media after being showcased near Benna’s Café, reaching over 8,500 likes and generating enthusiastic responses from the public. Many comments praised the artists, suggesting that their creativity be embraced by SEPTA in an official capacity. The response highlights a growing demand for more responsive and user-friendly public transit solutions in Philadelphia.
While cities like New York and Minneapolis have already implemented digital screens for real-time tracking, Philadelphia has lagged in adopting similar technologies. A much-publicized five-year, million initiative for deploying technology at bus stops is currently stalled, with officials citing cybersecurity concerns as the primary obstacle.
Make It Weird, which began creating humorous street signs in June, adheres to federal standards for signage, allowing their art to coexist with conventional traffic signs. The Route 64 e-reader is positioned as the first of ten collaborative projects with various local artists, further driving the message of improved transportation access for all Philadelphia residents.
