Pic Of The Week #17 - Passenger Information System Displays

Originally published on April 12th, 2024

Welcome to the 17th Pic of the Week! Today, we delve into the fascinating world of PIS displays, which play a crucial role in our tram simulation.



PIS displays (Passenger Information Displays) are located at every tram stop in Tramau. They provide information about which lines are departing from that stop, their destinations, and the expected departure time in minutes. These displays use timetable data as a basis and switch to real-time tram data as soon as it becomes available. This enables them to accurately display any delays or early departures.

Calculation of Departure Time

The display of estimated departure time is based on various factors considered during the planning of tram routes. These factors include the interval between trams, the distance between stations, and the average speed of the trams.




Along the track, sensors continuously monitor whether the tram's IBIS (on-board information system) is adhering to the schedule. If the tram arrives at any of the sensors too early or too late, it communicates this information to the PIS (passenger information system). As a result, the PIS display deviates from the timetable data and shows an estimated time until departure based on the distance from the tram to the station and an estimated average speed.

Design and Functionality

There are many different designs of PIS displays across Europe. They often consist of LED display panels that are either standalone units mounted at the stop or integrated into the stop sign. We have opted for standalone LED display panels, which are also commonly found in many German cities. The bright color and clear font make it easy for passengers to see the information even from a distance and in low-light conditions.




In CTS: Tram, the FGI displays use the same system as the ULF tram's matrix display. For this purpose, we have developed special fonts that work optimally with the LEDs. The result is a user-friendly and highly flexible system that provides dynamic information depending on which line, destination, and departure time needs to be displayed.

CTS: Tram is set to be released in 2024, and we are excited to share these exciting developments with our community. Stay tuned for further in-depth insights into the development process, exclusive features, and exciting updates. Join the discussion on our Steam Forum, Discord Server, and explore our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook).