To improve service and communication to 57,000 weekly commuters, the New York City (NYC) Ferry launched a new fleet of vessels and a new digital signage system that encompasses both on board and dockside integrations. In phase one, nine vessels were slated for retrofit with eleven more scheduled for a second phase.
Diversified met with the client to gather all of their needs, which included streamlining digital signage management workflow, rules-based automation for content distribution, and scalability to enable ongoing growth of the network. In addition, with so many passengers relying on the NYC Ferry for transportation, the upgrades needed to be performed without disrupting the ferry schedules. Lastly, the client wanted to utilize its existing infrastructure.
Based on the client approved design, Diversified provided all AV and IT design engineering as well as content management programming design, development and documentation. Prior to implementation, off-site testing was performed and end users were provided a 3-day training course of the BroadSign Content Management System. The efficient deployment included installation of BroadSign Media Players onto current LCD displays within a single night’s shift. Once installed, rigorous sea trials were conducted before going live with content across multiple vessels.
NYC Ferry commuters now benefit from a broad range of communications on the new digital signage system. Dockside communications include: real-time ferry arrival information, the status of Citi Bike availability, and the locations of nearby bus stops. On board each vessel, passengers enjoy news feeds, menu boards, colorful advertising and, for routes exceeding 15 minutes, a Coast Guard regulation safety video. Ongoing management of the NYC Ferry’s digital signage network is provided by Diversified’s network operations center in Kenilworth, NJ.
