Making Delays Glanceable: Color-Coded Status and Autogenerated Tickers for LED-Matrix Passenger Information Displays

Abstract

Compared with departure monitors in other dynamic passenger information media, classic LED‑matrix displays at stops typically provide less information. This is largely due to their limited resolution and, in many legacy deployments, monochrome presentation. This paper describes selected extensions that can be implemented even within the constraints of LED‑matrix technology and examines them in more detail by means of an online survey. The extensions focus on (1) distinguishing between on‑time operation, delays, and missing real‑time data, and (2) automatically generating short information messages when a departure is no longer shown on the display because a delay has pushed it out of the fixed, chronologically sorted list of visible rows. Survey results indicate that both functionalities can be perceived as helpful and may increase users’ confidence in data quality. Additional information can reduce the need to consult apps on personal devices and can support decision‑making during irregular operations, potentially shortening perceived or actual travel times. In particular, automatic messages about ‘missing’ departures may reduce misunderstandings (e.g., confusing a delayed trip with a cancellation) and therefore appear especially relevant for legacy systems with a limited number of display lines.

Keywords: LED-matrix DFI, Color-coded Delay Status, Autogenerated Ticker For Off-screen Delays

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007849